Week 2.a - Values, Attitudes, and Diversity in the Workplace

Question 1

What are Values?

Answer 1

our basic personal convictions/judgements about what is important in life that dictate our standards of behaviour

Question 2

Why are values important in OB?

Answer 2

Values lay the foundation for the understanding of attitudes and motivation as they influence our perceptions, our attitudes and our behaviours

Studies have shown that when individual’s values align with organizational values, the results are positive. Individuals who have an accurate understanding of the job requirements and the organization’s values adjust better to their jobs, and have greater levels of satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Question 3

Name two categories / types of Values

Answer 3

TERMINAL values (lifelong goals - a sense of accomplishment, self-respect,love)

and

INSTRUMENTAL values
(Means of achieving one’s terminal values)
- Logical, loving, courageous, ambitious

Question 4

HOFSTEDE’S created a framework of 5 value dimensions to asses what?

Answer 4

the values of national cultures

Question 5

HOFSTEDE’S five values were:

Answer 5

1) Power Distance
2) Individualism vs. Collectivisim
3) Femininity vs. Masculinity
4) Uncertainty avoidance
5) Long term orientation (thinking / planning / decision making) vs. short term orientation

Question 6

What is an Attitude?

Answer 6

• an evaluation of of ideas, events, objects, or people. Attitudes are generally positive or negative

Question 7

The 3 Components of Attitudes are

Answer 7

Cognitive (Thoughts) ; Affective (Feelings) and Behavioural (Actions)

Question 8

What are 4 factors of Job Satisfation?

Answer 8

Need fulfillment
Value attainment
Equity
Dispositional / genetic component

Question 9

OB looks at attidudes regarding these 3 key areas:

Answer 9

Job Satisfaction(Negative or Positive feelings) , Job Involvement (Identifying with and actively participating 
) and Organizational Committment ( Identifying and maintaining membership)

Question 10

2 key components for Managing Diversity in the Workplace

Answer 10

1 - COMMUNICATION (especially re: policies and the rational behind them)

2- EDUCATION (Addressing diversity issues through education to change attitudes)

Question 11

Values and Perceptions are similar in that

Answer 11

Both are stable and thus very difficult to change

Question 12

To have an Effective Diversity Program you have to have these 3 components

Answer 12

1 - Equal Employment Opportunities and Fair Treatment
2- Educating on how a diverse workforce can best serve a diverse market of clients/
3- Fostering Personal development practices that brings about the skills and abilities of all workers