Chapter 1 - Org Behavior

Dissolving problems

(pg32)

Resolving problems

(pg32)

Solving problems

(pg32)

Hard Skills

Technical expertise and knowledge to do a particular task or job function.

Personal Attributes

(with which we build goodwill and trust and demonstrate integrity) attitude, personality, teamwork, leadership

Interpersonal Skills

(with which we foster respectful interactions) active listening, positive attitudes, effective communication

Common sense suffers from 3 major weaknesses:

1. Overreliance on highsight - common sense works best in well-known or stable situations with predictable outcomes- what worked before should work again. But modern business situations are complex and uncertain and require adapting to change. Common sense is especially weak in responding to the unknown or unexpected. And because it focuses on the past, common sense lacks vision for the future. 2. Lack or rigor - People comfortable with common-sense responses may not apply the effort required to appropriately analyze and solve problems. If you lack rigor, then you are unlikely to define the problem accurately, identify the true causes, or recommend the right courses of action. 3. Lack of objectivity - Common sense can be overly subjective and lack a basis in science. In such cases, we are not always able to explain or justify our reasoning to others, which is a sign that common sense lacks objectivity.

Problem

A difference or gap between an actual and a desired situation.

Problem solving

A systematic approach of going from an initial situation to a desired situation.

The contingency approach to OB calls for all of the following EXCEPT A. relying on one best way to manage situations. B. using OB concepts and tools as situationally appropriate. C. using a pragmatic approach. D. not relying on simple common sense. E. being systematic and scientific.

A. relying on one best way to manage situations

What criteria determine which employee is promoted?

Ability to manage people Strong team skills Ability to build and manage relationships

Situation Factors

All the elements outside ourselves that influence what we do, the way we do it, and the ultimate results of our actions.

Organizational Behavior

An interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding and managing people at work. OB draws upon multiple fields to enhance our understanding and managing of people in the workplace.

Organizational Behavior draws from:

Anthropology Economics Ethics Management Organizational theory Political science Psychology Sociology Statistics Vocational counseling

Contingency Approach/Perspective

Calls for using OB concepts and tools as situationally appropriate, instead of trying to rely on "one best way." Based on a contingency perspective as No one best way to manage people, teams, or organizations The best course of action often will depend upon the interplay of multiple person and situational factors.

Four sought-after skills

Critical thinking Problem solving Judgement and decision making Active listening

Three steps to Problem Solving (p22)

Define the problem Identify potential causes using OB concepts and theories Make recommendations and (if appropriate) take action.

Ethics

Guides behavior by identifying right, wrong, and the many shades of grey in between.

Soft Skills

Human interactions and include both interpersonal skills and personal attributes.

Person Factors

Infinite characteristics that give individuals their unique identities.

Organizing Framework (p28)

Inputs Processes Outcomes

Portable Skills

Not job specific but more or less relevant in every job, at every level, and throughout your career.

Applying OB concepts to Identify the Right Problem (p27)

Person factors Situational factors Individual level Group/team level Organizational level

Organizing Framework for Problem Solving (p29)

Problems frequently arise and may be viewed as a gap between an actual and desired outcome. Closing the Gap: A Three-Step Approach Stop 1: Define The Problem. Stop 2: Identify OB Concepts to Solve the Problem. Stop 3: Make Recommendations and Take Action.

Unethical behavior

Research has found that peer behavior was by far the strongest predictor of why students cheated, followed by severity of potential penalties, and certainty of being reported. Research has found that more than 40 percent of people lied about their work histories or education backgrounds when applying for work.

Person vs Situation

Researchers and managers have debated for decades the answer to the question of if person or situation factors matter more. Interactional perspective: states that behavior is a function of interdependent person and situation factors. Neither people nor situations are static, and the two change each other. Managers need to understand the interplay between both person and situation factors to be an effective employee and manager. The personsituation distinction provides a means for classifying OB concepts and theories into causes of behavior.

Ethical Dilemma

Situations with two choices, neither of which resolves the situation in an ethically acceptable manner.

Interactional Perspective

States that behavior is a function of interdependent person and environmental factors.

Assume you just started working as a bartender and some of the drinks are listed on the menu as having "premium ingredients." You were told by your boss to always use the cheaper alcohol when making these drinks, despite what it says on the menu. Someone has just ordered one of these premium-ingredient drinks. Will you follow the directions of your boss or use the higher-end alcohol? Explain your rationale. Given the risks to whistleblowers, why do some people report the wrongdoings of their employers? Is it just about the money?

Survey of 23,000 high school students found 59% cheated on a test in the past year and 32% reported plagiarizing material found on the internet. Thoughts? 57% of High School Students Agreed: "In the real world, successful people do what they have to do to win, even if others consider it cheating." What percentage of students do you think cheat at NSU on homework assignments? Exams? Take home finals? Statewide test in High School. Why do you think teachers and administrators would falsify (change records) for state tests?

What criteria determine which applicant is hired?

Technical skills Nuts and bolts of doing a job Ability to get the job done Based on job or function specific knowledge

Ethics importance

The Importance of Ethics Employees are confronted with ethical challenges throughout their careers. Unethical behavior can damage relationships, making it difficult to conduct business. Unethical behavior reduces cooperation, loyalty, and performance. The legal system cannot always be relied upon to assure work conduct that is ethical.

Structure and Rigor in Solving

The Person-Environment Distinction Person factors Situation factors Individual behavior often results from the interaction of these interdependent factors. We need to understand the interplay among both factors to be effective. Assume that you are not performing to your desired level academic performance in this class. What factors would you offer to your academic advisor as to the reason why? Of the factors you discussed above, which factors are person factors and which ones are situation factors?

Which one of these is NOT true about defining a problem? Managers usually do not spend enough time on defining the problem. It is advisable to skip this step and proceed to making recommendations. After defining the problem, OB concepts or theories can be used to solve the problem. People often make assumptions. Once problems are defined, OB knowledge can produce better performance for an organization.

The answer is B. Solutions can't be generated until the problem has been defined and understood.

Which of the following is MOST IMPORTANT when using OB to solve problems? person factors interdependence of person factors and environmental characteristics environmental characteristics interdependence of person factors and changes on a group or team level independence of person factors and environmental characteristics

The answer is B. The interactional perspective states that behavior is a function of interdependent and environmental factors.

Which of the following statement about ethics is NOT true? Ethical dilemmas occur when neither of two choices ethically resolves a situation. Most people working in organizations are good people with good intentions. If something is unethical it is also illegal. Our conduct is shaped by our environment. Reward systems can cause unethical behavior.

The answer is C. It is often the case that unethical situations are legal in nature.

The organizing framework for understanding and applying OB is based upon a systems approach. using person and environmental factors as inputs. processes including individual level, group or team level, and organizational level. outcomes organized into individual level, group or team level, and organizational level. All of these are correct.

The answer is E. All the statements describe the organizing framework.

Unethical behavior causes

The slippery slope Pressure from a supervisor

Dealing with Unethical Behavior

What you can do It's business, treat it that way. Accept that confronting ethical concerns is part of your job. Challenge the rationale. Use your lack of seniority or status as an asset. Consider and explain long-term consequences. Focus on solutions—not just complaints.

Three levels of OB

individual, group, organizational