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Chapter 1Learning About Organizational Behavior

What is Organizational Behavior? Seven Foundation Competencies

Managing Self Managing Communication Managing Diversity Managing Ethics Managing Across Cultures Managing Teams Managing Change

Organizations as Open Systems [Not in Text]

Case Discussion: Robert Princeton at Falls Video

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Robert Princeton Case Procedure

Brief lecture review of chapter slides 10 minutes in teams to prepare a team response to

the assigned team question Spokesperson presents team’s response

(maximum time of 1-2 minutes each)

Instructor’s comments

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Questions for the “Princeton” Case

1. To what extent could Roberts’ experience at Falls video be considered a career success or failure? [Slides 8, 9]

2. In what ways do specific categories of diversity appear to be relevant in the Princeton case? [Slide 14]

3. In what ways are ethical issues manifest in the Princeton case? [Slides 16, 17]

4. Which of the core competencies seem to be present or absent in Mario? [Slide 1]

5. Which of the core competencies seem to be present or absent in Robert? [Slide 1]

6. Identify the external forces and stakeholders potentially influencing Falls Video during the late 1980s. [Slide 26]

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What is Organizational Behavior?

Definition: The study of human behavior, attitudes, and performance in organizations.

Value of OB: Helps people attain the competencies needed to become effective employees, team leaders/members, or managers

Competency = an interrelated set of abilities, behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge needed by an individual to be effective in most professional and managerial positions

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Seven Foundation Competencies

Logically integrated set of competencies required for managerial and professional effectiveness in the 21st century

This model developed by Hellriegel, Slocum, and Woodman for this textbook

Other models of such competencies have been developed by other authors

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Definition of the Managing Self Competency

Involves the ability to assess your own strengths and weaknesses, set and pursue professional and personal goals, balance work and personal life, and engage in new learning (including new or modified skills, behaviors, and attitudes)

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Core Abilities of the Managing Self Competency

Understand the personality and attitudes of yourself and

others Perceive, appraise, and interpret accurately yourself, others,

and the immediate environment Understand and act on your own and others work-related

motivations and emotions Assess and establish developmental, personal/life-related,

and work-related goals Take responsibility for managing yourself and your career

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Career Development*

A career is a sequence of work-related positions occupied by a person during a lifetime.

Career development involves making decisions about an occupation and engaging in activities to attain career goals.

A career plan is an individual’s choice of occupation, organization, and career path.

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Five Aspects of a Career*

Career success or failure is best determined by the individual, in terms of his/her personal goal achievement

No absolute career evaluation standards exist Examine a career subjectively (e.g., values and personality

fit) and objectively (e.g., job choices, competencies needed)

Make decisions about occupation and pursue activities to attain career goals throughout your lifetime

Consider cultural factors as they impact performance and career opportunities

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Definition of the Managing Communication Competency

Involves the ability to use all the modes of transmitting, understanding, and receiving ideas, thoughts, and feelings, (verbal, listening, nonverbal, written, electronic, etc.) for accurately transferring and exchanging information and emotions

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Core Abilities of the Managing Communication Competency

Convey information, ideas, and emotions so they are received as intended

Provide constructive feedback Engage in active listening Use and interpret nonverbal communication effectively Engage in effective verbal communication Engage in effective written communication Effectively use electronic communication resources

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Definition of the Managing Diversity Competency

Involves the ability to value unique individual and group characteristics, embrace such characteristics as potential sources of organizational strength, and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual

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Core Abilities of the Managing Diversity Competency

Foster an environment of inclusion for all Learn from others with different characteristics,

experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds Embrace and support diversity Work with others because of their talents and

contributions, rather than personal attributes Provide leadership in addressing diversity-based

conflicts Apply diversity laws, regulations, and organizational

policies related to your position

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Selected Categories of Diversity*

Primary Categories: Genetic characteristics that affect a

persons self-image and socialization, appear to be unlearned and are difficult to modify

Age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities and qualities, and sexual and affectional orientation

Secondary categories: Learned characteristics that a

person acquires and modifies throughout life

Education, work experience, income, marital status, religious beliefs, geographic location, parental status, behavioral style

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Definition of the Managing Ethics Competency

Involves the ability to incorporate values and principles that distinguish right from wrong in making decisions and choosing behaviors

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Ethics

Definition: Values and principles that distinguish right from wrong. NOT IN TEXT: Ethics are often based upon laws, organizational policies, social norms, family, religion, and/or personal needs, and may be subject to differing interpretations with problems in proving “truth”

Ethical Dilemma*: A situation in which an individual or team must make a decision that involves multiple values.

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Core Abilities of the Managing Ethics Competency

Identify and describe the principles of ethical decision making and behavior

Assess the importance of ethical issues in actions Apply laws, regulations, and organizational rules in

making decisions and taking action Demonstrate dignity and respect for others Demonstrate honest and open communication limited

only by legal, privacy, and competitive considerations

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Definition of the Managing Across Cultures Competency

Involves the ability to recognize and embrace similarities and differences among nations and cultures and then approach key organizational and strategic issues with an open and curious mind Culture = the dominant pattern of living, thinking, and

believing that is developed and transmitted by people, consciously or unconsciously, to subsequent generations

Cultural values = those consciously and subconsciously deeply held beliefs that specify general preferences, behaviors, and define what is right and wrong.

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Core Abilities of the Managing Across Cultures Competency

Understand, appreciate, and use cultural factors that can affect behavior

Appreciate the influence of work-related values on decisions, preferences, and practices

Understand and motivate employees with different values and attitudes

Communicate in the local language Deal effectively with extreme conditions in foreign

countries Utilize a global mindset (use a worldwide perspective to

constantly assess threats or opportunities)

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Individualism* as a Work-Related Value

Individualism = the tendency of people to look after themselves and their immediate family, which implies a loosely integrated society

In cultures that emphasize individualism, people view themselves as independent, unique, and special; value individual goals over group goals; value personal identity, personal achievement, pleasure, and competition; accept interpersonal confrontation; and are less likely to conform to other’s expectations

Such cultures include the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom

Example: “Stand on your own two feet!”

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Collectivism* as a Work-Related Value

Collectivism = the tendency of people to emphasize their belonging to groups and to look after each other in exchange for loyalty

Cultures that emphasize collectivism are characterized by a tight social framework, concern for the common welfare, emotional dependence of individuals on larger social units, a sense of belonging, a desire for harmony, with group goals being viewed as more important than individual goals, and a concern for face-saving

Such cultures include Japan, China, Venezuela, and Indonesia

Example: “The nail that sticks up gets hammered down!”

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Definition of the Managing Teams Competency

Involves the ability to develop, support, facilitate, and lead groups to achieve organizational goals

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Core Abilities of the Managing Teams Competency

Determine when and how to use teams Set clear performance goals directly or participatively Define responsibilities and tasks directly or

participatively Show accountability for goal achievement Use appropriate decision-making methods Effectively manage conflicts Assess performance and take corrective action as

needed

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Definition of the Managing Change Competency

Involves the ability to recognize and implement needed adaptations or entirely new transformations in the people, tasks, strategies, structures, or technologies in a person’s area of responsibility

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Core Abilities of the Managing Change Competency

Apply the other six competencies in pursuit of needed

changes Provide leadership in planned change Diagnose pressures for and resistance to change Use the systems model and relevant processes to

facilitate change Seek out, learn, share, and apply new knowledge in the

pursuit of constant improvement

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Organizations as Open Systems*[Not in Text]

Note that organizations are “open systems,” such that their long term effectiveness is determined by their ability to anticipate, manage, and respond to changes in their environment, with such changes resulting from external forces and/or stakeholders

External forces include the labor force, the natural environment, the economy, and different cultures, while stakeholders include shareholders, customers, competitors, suppliers, creditors, governmental agencies and their regulations Note the impact of these environmental influences on individual,

interpersonal, team, and organizational processes; organizations that do not effectively adapt to environmental change will fail