Midterm Review
Chapter 1: What Is Organizational Behaviour?
The Field of Organizational Behaviour
• Organizational behaviour investigates the influence that individuals, groups, and structure have
on behaviour within organizations
• It studies three determinants of behaviour in organizations: individuals, groups and
structure
• Its chief goal is to apply that knowledge toward improving an organization’s
effectiveness
OB Core Topics
• Motivation
• Leader behaviour and power
• Interpersonal communication
• Group structure and processes
• Attitude development and perception
• Change processes
• Conflict and negotiation
• Work design
Chapter 2: Diversity in Organizations
Levels of Diversity
• Demographics reflect surface-level diversity
• As people get to know one another, they see themselves in terms of personality and values, that
represent deep-level diversity
, • Can be difficult to recognize at first because it relates to invisible patterns of thought
and unstated (often non-conscious) cultural assumptions
Biographical Characteristics
age, gender, ethnicity, disability, and immigration status
Diverse points of view are a strength:
generates better understanding of diverse customers’ needs
more creativity and innovation
and broader social justice through inclusion
Variations in surface-level characteristics may still be the basis for discrimination against classes
of employees.
Summary
1. Described the demographic characteristics of the Canadian labour force.
2. Explained the relevance of the Multiculturalism Act and other equity-focused legislation to
Canadian diversity practices.
3. Assessed the business benefits and management challenges associated with a diverse
workforce.
4. Evaluated how stereotyping and workplace discrimination undermine equity goals.
5. Identified the key biographical characteristics that are prone to workplace stereotyping.
6. Contrasted intellectual and physical ability.
7. Recommended best practices for managing diversity effectively within the organization
Chapter 9: Foundations of Group Behaviour
• Roles: The set of expected behaviour patterns that are attributed to occupying a given position
in a social unit
• Role perception – our view of how we’re supposed to act in a given situation
• Role expectations – how others believe you should act in a given situation
• Role conflict – conflict experienced when multiple roles are incompatible
Chapter 1: What Is Organizational Behaviour?
The Field of Organizational Behaviour
• Organizational behaviour investigates the influence that individuals, groups, and structure have
on behaviour within organizations
• It studies three determinants of behaviour in organizations: individuals, groups and
structure
• Its chief goal is to apply that knowledge toward improving an organization’s
effectiveness
OB Core Topics
• Motivation
• Leader behaviour and power
• Interpersonal communication
• Group structure and processes
• Attitude development and perception
• Change processes
• Conflict and negotiation
• Work design
Chapter 2: Diversity in Organizations
Levels of Diversity
• Demographics reflect surface-level diversity
• As people get to know one another, they see themselves in terms of personality and values, that
represent deep-level diversity
, • Can be difficult to recognize at first because it relates to invisible patterns of thought
and unstated (often non-conscious) cultural assumptions
Biographical Characteristics
age, gender, ethnicity, disability, and immigration status
Diverse points of view are a strength:
generates better understanding of diverse customers’ needs
more creativity and innovation
and broader social justice through inclusion
Variations in surface-level characteristics may still be the basis for discrimination against classes
of employees.
Summary
1. Described the demographic characteristics of the Canadian labour force.
2. Explained the relevance of the Multiculturalism Act and other equity-focused legislation to
Canadian diversity practices.
3. Assessed the business benefits and management challenges associated with a diverse
workforce.
4. Evaluated how stereotyping and workplace discrimination undermine equity goals.
5. Identified the key biographical characteristics that are prone to workplace stereotyping.
6. Contrasted intellectual and physical ability.
7. Recommended best practices for managing diversity effectively within the organization
Chapter 9: Foundations of Group Behaviour
• Roles: The set of expected behaviour patterns that are attributed to occupying a given position
in a social unit
• Role perception – our view of how we’re supposed to act in a given situation
• Role expectations – how others believe you should act in a given situation
• Role conflict – conflict experienced when multiple roles are incompatible
