MGMT

What is the Contingency perspective/approach to OB?

A contingency approach calls for using the OB concepts and tools that best suit the situation, instead of trying to rely on "one best way".

What disciplines are included in the interdisciplinary field of organizational behavior (OB)?

Anthropology, Economics, Ethics, Management, Organizational Theory, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, Vocational Counseling

What are the four skills most desired by employers?

Critical thinking, problem solving, judgment and decision making, active listening.

What is the definition of ethical behavior?

Ethical behavior is guided by identifying wright, wrong, and the many shades of grey in-between.

What is the difference between hard skills and soft skills?

Hard skills are the technical expertise and knowledge required to do a particular task or job function, such as financial analysis, accounting, or operations. Soft skills relate to human interactions and include both interpersonal skills and personal attributes.

What is interactional perspective?

Interactional perspective states that behavior is a function of interdependent person and situation factors.

What does it take to get hired?

Most people will identify things like education, grades, interpersonal skills, and internship or other experience. In short, for most jobs you are selected for your technical skills, your ability to do the given job.

What does it take to get promoted?

Performance in your current job is often a primary consideration. However, you and many other employees may fail to realize that your perceived ability to get things done through others and to manage people will be another important deciding factor.

What is the connection between performance and credibility?

Performance matters because it gives you credibility with your peers and those you may manage. Just be aware that early in your career your bosses will be looking for more. You will need to know how to apply different motivational tools, provide constructive feedback, develop and lead productive teams, and understand and manage organizational culture and change.

What are person factors?

Person factors are the infinite characteristics that give individuals their unique identity.

What are situation factors?

Situation factors are all the elements outside of ourselves that influence what we do, the way we do it, and the ultimate result of our actions.

What is the three step problem solving approach?

Step one is define the problem in terms of desired outcomes. Test each one by asking "Why is this a problem?". Step two is identify potential causes using OB concepts and theories. Test your theories by asking "How or why does this cause the problem?". Step three is make recommendations and (if appropriate) take action.

How does OB enhance job performance and career success?

The effective application of OB is critical to your success in all disciplines of work and all job levels. Technical knowledge associated with any given job is important, but your ability to influence, get along with, manage, and get things done through others is what makes the difference. Applying OB knowledge and tools gives you opportunities, sets you apart from your peers and competition, and contributes to your success. You will be successful if you know what tools to use and under what circumstances.

What are the components in the "organizing framework for understanding and applying OB"?

The foundation of the organizing framework is a systems model wherein inputs influence outcomes through processes. INPUTS: personal factors, situational factors -> PROCESSES: individual level, group/team level, organizational level -> OUTCOMES: individual level, group/team level, organizational level.

What are the levels of OB analysis in work settings?

The three levels are individual (ie: quitting a job because it doesn't fulfill what they value), group/team (ie: quitting a job because conflict with boss or having nothing in common with co-workers), and organization (ie: quitting because of a faulty reward system or unfairly distributed raises or bonuses).

How does self awareness contribute to career success?

To have a successful career you need to know who you are, what you want, and how others perceive you. When you know yourself, you are comfortable with your strengths and not crippled by your shortcomings. Self awareness gives you the capacity to learn from your mistakes as well as your successes.