Behaviour and Communication in
Organizations
Questions from the book
Chapter 1
1-1 What is the defnition of organizational behavior (OB)?
The defnition of Organizational Behavior (OB) is the field of research that examines the impact
that individuals, groups and structures have on behavior within organizations, with the goal of
applying this knowledge to improve the effectiveness of an organization. OB focuses on three
main determinants of behavior in organizations: individuals, groups and structures. It applies the
knowledge gained about these determinants to make organizations effective. In short, OB is the
study of what people do in an organization and how their behavior affects organizational
performance.
1-2 How does systematic study contribute to our understanding of OB?
Systematic study contributes to our understanding of Organizational Behavior (OB) by providing
a structured approach to studying behavior within organizations. Here's how:
1. Predictability of behavior: Systematic research recognizes that behavior within organizations
is generally generally predictable. By applying systematic methods such as research design,
data collection and analysis, researchers can identify patterns and trends in behavior. identifcate,
making reasonably accurate predictions possible.
2. Evidence-based management (EBM): Systematic research complements intuition by
emphasizing the use of the best available scientific evidence in making management decisions.
EBM ensures that decisions are made based on rigorous research findings, rather than relying
solely on intuition or gut feelings.
3. Improving intuition: Systematic research not only provides empirical evidence, but also
contributes to the development and refinement of intuition. By systematically studying behavior
and organizational dynamics study, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of what
motivates and influences, enhancing their intuitive insights.
1-3 What are the major behavioral science disciplines that contribute to OB?
The major behavioral science disciplines that contribute to Organizational Behavior (OB) are:
psychology, social psychology, sociology and anthropology.
,1-4 Why are there so few absolutes in OB?
There are few absolutes in Organizational Behavior (OB) because human behavior is complex
and depends on a variety of factors. People are unique and diverse, which means there are few
simple and universal principles that can fully explain behavior in organizations. What is
attractive or motivating for one person may not be for another, and this depends on individual
preferences and contextual factors. OB therefore recognizes both general effects and the specific
circumstances (contingencies) that influence behavior.
* contingency variables :Situational factors or variables that moderate the relationship between two or
more variables.
1-5 What are the current challenges and opportunities to managers’ understanding of OB?
Current challenges and opportunities for managers' understanding of OB include:
workforce diversity and inclusion, ( wfd: which recognizes that the workforce is heterogeneous
in its gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics.
wfi: focuses on creating and maintaining workplaces that support and leverage their members’
,diversity. )
ongoing globalization, (globalization refers to the process in which worldwide integration and
interdependence are promoted across national borders.)
technology and social media, social media is a complicated issue for today’s managers,
presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for OB
(un)ethical behavior, (un)ethical behavior Any actions that violate widely accepted moral
norms. Conversely, ethical behaviors are any actions that meet or exceed widely accepted moral
norms.
corporate social responsibility, An organization’s self-regulated actions to benefit society or the
environment beyond what is required by law. CSR allows workers to serve a higher purpose or
contribute to a mission.
positive work environments, Positive organizational scholarship (also called positive
organizational behavior) has been a real area for growth in OB. It explores how organizations
develop human strengths, foster vitality, build resilience, and unlock potential.
the gig economy, a new era of work in which many people work independently and
autonomously (“a company of one”) instead of the highly structured employer–employee
relations of the past.
managing OB during crises, When times are bad, as they were during the recession, managers
are on the frontlines with employees. They face difficult decisions in which they ask employees
to make do with less (or to resign from their jobs), and these employees are already saddled with
worry about their futures. The difference between good and bad management can be the
difference between profit and loss or ultimately between business survival and failure. Managing
employees well when times are tough is just as hard as when times are good, if not harder. In
good times, understanding how to reward, satisfy, and retain employees is at a premium. In bad
times, issues like stress, decision making, and coping come to the forefront.
, 1-6 What are the three levels of analysis in our OB model?
The three levels of analysis in our OB model are:
the individual level,
the group level
and the organizational level.
* Inputs: are variables like personality, group structure, and organizational culture that lead to
processes. These variables set the stage for what will occur in an organization later. Many are
determined in advance of the employment relationship.
* Processes : If inputs are like the nouns in OB, processes are like the verbs. Processes are
actions that individuals, groups, and organizations engage in as a result of inputs and that lead to
certain outcomes.
* Outcomes are the key variables that you want to explain or predict and that are affected by
other variables.
1-7 What are the key employability skills gained from studying OB?
Key employability skills gained from studying OB include: Critical thinking and
creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Self-management, Social responsibility,
Leadership and Career management.
Critical thinking & creativity involve purposeful and goal-directed
thinking used to define and solve problems, to make decisions, or to
form judgments related to a particular situation. The goal of this
process is to produce novel and useful ideas. It involves cognitive,
Organizations
Questions from the book
Chapter 1
1-1 What is the defnition of organizational behavior (OB)?
The defnition of Organizational Behavior (OB) is the field of research that examines the impact
that individuals, groups and structures have on behavior within organizations, with the goal of
applying this knowledge to improve the effectiveness of an organization. OB focuses on three
main determinants of behavior in organizations: individuals, groups and structures. It applies the
knowledge gained about these determinants to make organizations effective. In short, OB is the
study of what people do in an organization and how their behavior affects organizational
performance.
1-2 How does systematic study contribute to our understanding of OB?
Systematic study contributes to our understanding of Organizational Behavior (OB) by providing
a structured approach to studying behavior within organizations. Here's how:
1. Predictability of behavior: Systematic research recognizes that behavior within organizations
is generally generally predictable. By applying systematic methods such as research design,
data collection and analysis, researchers can identify patterns and trends in behavior. identifcate,
making reasonably accurate predictions possible.
2. Evidence-based management (EBM): Systematic research complements intuition by
emphasizing the use of the best available scientific evidence in making management decisions.
EBM ensures that decisions are made based on rigorous research findings, rather than relying
solely on intuition or gut feelings.
3. Improving intuition: Systematic research not only provides empirical evidence, but also
contributes to the development and refinement of intuition. By systematically studying behavior
and organizational dynamics study, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of what
motivates and influences, enhancing their intuitive insights.
1-3 What are the major behavioral science disciplines that contribute to OB?
The major behavioral science disciplines that contribute to Organizational Behavior (OB) are:
psychology, social psychology, sociology and anthropology.
,1-4 Why are there so few absolutes in OB?
There are few absolutes in Organizational Behavior (OB) because human behavior is complex
and depends on a variety of factors. People are unique and diverse, which means there are few
simple and universal principles that can fully explain behavior in organizations. What is
attractive or motivating for one person may not be for another, and this depends on individual
preferences and contextual factors. OB therefore recognizes both general effects and the specific
circumstances (contingencies) that influence behavior.
* contingency variables :Situational factors or variables that moderate the relationship between two or
more variables.
1-5 What are the current challenges and opportunities to managers’ understanding of OB?
Current challenges and opportunities for managers' understanding of OB include:
workforce diversity and inclusion, ( wfd: which recognizes that the workforce is heterogeneous
in its gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics.
wfi: focuses on creating and maintaining workplaces that support and leverage their members’
,diversity. )
ongoing globalization, (globalization refers to the process in which worldwide integration and
interdependence are promoted across national borders.)
technology and social media, social media is a complicated issue for today’s managers,
presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for OB
(un)ethical behavior, (un)ethical behavior Any actions that violate widely accepted moral
norms. Conversely, ethical behaviors are any actions that meet or exceed widely accepted moral
norms.
corporate social responsibility, An organization’s self-regulated actions to benefit society or the
environment beyond what is required by law. CSR allows workers to serve a higher purpose or
contribute to a mission.
positive work environments, Positive organizational scholarship (also called positive
organizational behavior) has been a real area for growth in OB. It explores how organizations
develop human strengths, foster vitality, build resilience, and unlock potential.
the gig economy, a new era of work in which many people work independently and
autonomously (“a company of one”) instead of the highly structured employer–employee
relations of the past.
managing OB during crises, When times are bad, as they were during the recession, managers
are on the frontlines with employees. They face difficult decisions in which they ask employees
to make do with less (or to resign from their jobs), and these employees are already saddled with
worry about their futures. The difference between good and bad management can be the
difference between profit and loss or ultimately between business survival and failure. Managing
employees well when times are tough is just as hard as when times are good, if not harder. In
good times, understanding how to reward, satisfy, and retain employees is at a premium. In bad
times, issues like stress, decision making, and coping come to the forefront.
, 1-6 What are the three levels of analysis in our OB model?
The three levels of analysis in our OB model are:
the individual level,
the group level
and the organizational level.
* Inputs: are variables like personality, group structure, and organizational culture that lead to
processes. These variables set the stage for what will occur in an organization later. Many are
determined in advance of the employment relationship.
* Processes : If inputs are like the nouns in OB, processes are like the verbs. Processes are
actions that individuals, groups, and organizations engage in as a result of inputs and that lead to
certain outcomes.
* Outcomes are the key variables that you want to explain or predict and that are affected by
other variables.
1-7 What are the key employability skills gained from studying OB?
Key employability skills gained from studying OB include: Critical thinking and
creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Self-management, Social responsibility,
Leadership and Career management.
Critical thinking & creativity involve purposeful and goal-directed
thinking used to define and solve problems, to make decisions, or to
form judgments related to a particular situation. The goal of this
process is to produce novel and useful ideas. It involves cognitive,
