ACING BUSMHR 3200 EXAMS: ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS FOR THE A+.
organizational behavior
an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding and managing people at work
-attempts to overcome limits of using common sense
-does not settle for traditional options if another solution is better
contingency perspective
best course of action depends on the interplay of person and environment factors
-using OB concepts and tools as situationally appropriate rather than relying on "one best way"
-systematic, science based
human resource management
the policies, practices, and systems that influence employee's behavior, attitudes, and performance
skills most desired by employers
soft skills
human capital
productive potential of an individual's knowledge, skills, and experiences
social capital
productive potential resulting from relationships, trust, goodwill, and cooperative effort
hard skills
the technical expertise and knowledge to do a particular task or job function
soft skills
relate to our human interactions and include both interpersonal skills and personal attributes
-personal attributes: attitude, personality, teamwork, leadership
-interpersonal skills: listening, positive attitudes, effective communication
ethics
is concerned with behavior -- right vs wrong, good vs bad, and the many shades of gray in between
-unethical does NOT mean illegal
ethical dilemma
involved situations with two choices, neither of which resolves the situation in an ethically acceptable
manner
-no perfect solution
, -not always a pure choice between right and wrong
-places people in an uncomfortable position
problem
a difference or gap between an actual and desired situation
3 steps to solving a problem
1) define the problem
2) identify OB concepts to solve the problem
3) make recommendations and take action
integrative framework
inputs --> processes --> outcomes
levels
individual
group/team
organization
values
abstract ideals that guide one's thinking and behavior across all situations
Schwartz's value theory
-values are motivational
-values represent broad goals over time
-employees can ask: are my values consistent with my goals?
cognitive dissonance
psychological discomfort experienced when simultaneously holding two or more conflicting cognitions
cognitive dissonance is reduced by
-changing attitude or behavior or both
-belittling the importance of the inconsistent behavior
-finding consonant elements that outweigh dissonant ones
organizational commitment
the extent to which an individual identifies with an organizations and commits to its goals
-leads to continued employment and greater motivation
employee engagement
the harnessing of organizational members' selves to their work roles
-where people employ and express themselves physically, cognitively, and emotionally during role
performance
AND ANSWERS FOR THE A+.
organizational behavior
an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding and managing people at work
-attempts to overcome limits of using common sense
-does not settle for traditional options if another solution is better
contingency perspective
best course of action depends on the interplay of person and environment factors
-using OB concepts and tools as situationally appropriate rather than relying on "one best way"
-systematic, science based
human resource management
the policies, practices, and systems that influence employee's behavior, attitudes, and performance
skills most desired by employers
soft skills
human capital
productive potential of an individual's knowledge, skills, and experiences
social capital
productive potential resulting from relationships, trust, goodwill, and cooperative effort
hard skills
the technical expertise and knowledge to do a particular task or job function
soft skills
relate to our human interactions and include both interpersonal skills and personal attributes
-personal attributes: attitude, personality, teamwork, leadership
-interpersonal skills: listening, positive attitudes, effective communication
ethics
is concerned with behavior -- right vs wrong, good vs bad, and the many shades of gray in between
-unethical does NOT mean illegal
ethical dilemma
involved situations with two choices, neither of which resolves the situation in an ethically acceptable
manner
-no perfect solution
, -not always a pure choice between right and wrong
-places people in an uncomfortable position
problem
a difference or gap between an actual and desired situation
3 steps to solving a problem
1) define the problem
2) identify OB concepts to solve the problem
3) make recommendations and take action
integrative framework
inputs --> processes --> outcomes
levels
individual
group/team
organization
values
abstract ideals that guide one's thinking and behavior across all situations
Schwartz's value theory
-values are motivational
-values represent broad goals over time
-employees can ask: are my values consistent with my goals?
cognitive dissonance
psychological discomfort experienced when simultaneously holding two or more conflicting cognitions
cognitive dissonance is reduced by
-changing attitude or behavior or both
-belittling the importance of the inconsistent behavior
-finding consonant elements that outweigh dissonant ones
organizational commitment
the extent to which an individual identifies with an organizations and commits to its goals
-leads to continued employment and greater motivation
employee engagement
the harnessing of organizational members' selves to their work roles
-where people employ and express themselves physically, cognitively, and emotionally during role
performance
