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Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
Unit: 1 Introduction Answer the following. (1 mark)
1. Define behaviour. Behaviour is defined as a „stimulus – response – dyad, which means that at a given point of time, under given circumstances, a particular stimulus causes a particular response. 2. What determines behaviour? Behaviour is determined by attitude, personality, perception, motivation, abilities, self-concept, and socio-cultural set up, reference group, needs and situation. 3. What is Attitude? Attitude is a cognitive and affective evaluation that predisposes a person to act in a certain way. 4. What is personality? Personality is the sum total of personal characteristics (physical and psychological) of a human being which affects behaviour. 5. What is perception? Perception is the unique way each person „sees‟ and interprets things. Point of view is perception. 6. Why do managers need to have knowledge of behaviour? An understanding of causes of human behaviour, its nature and how manipulation of external factors can result in desired behaviour facilitate him in performing his different roles. 7. Define organizational behaviour. Some definitions of organizational behaviour are given below: According to Davis and New storm: “Organisational behaviour is the study and application of knowledge about how people act within organizations. It is a human tool for human benefit”. Fred Luthans Opines that “ Organization behaviour is directly concerned with the understanding, prediction and control of human behaviour in organisations”.
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
Stephen Robbins says that “ It is a field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups and structure have on behaviour within organisations for the purpose of applying such knowledge, towards improving organisations effectiveness,” also, “Organizational behaviour is the systematic study of actions and attitudes that people exhibit within the organisation”.
Briefly answer the following. (2 marks)
1. Explain the meaning and concept of behaviour. Behaviour is defined as a „stimulus – response – dyad, which means that at a given point of time, under given circumstances, a particular stimulus causes a particular response. In other words behaviour is an outward physical expression of a particular state of mind i.e. what a person does. Thus, behaviour is an observable and measurable activity of human beings. Behaviour is caused, motivated and goal oriented. It is often affected by subconscious motives or needs, that is, certain internal forces propel a person to behave. Behaviour is thus, the result of total effect of individual and situational variables. Behaviour is therefore a person‟s externally visible, measurable and perceptible action and performance. 2. List all the determinants of behaviour. Determinants of behavior are: (1) Attitude, (2) Personality, (3) Perception, (4) Motivation, (5) Ability, (6) Self-Concept, (7) Self-Efficacy, (8) Socio-Cultural Set Up, (9) Reference Group, (10) Needs and (11) Situations. 3. Explain the importance of attitude and perception in determination of behaviour. Importance of Attitude: Attitude predisposes a person to act in a certain way. Behaviour is an outward expression of a particular attitude. Attitude results in
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
context of these two variables. If one can diagnose the effect of a particular variable, the desired behaviour can be had either with the provision of some variables or by tactful handling of the person.
7. Briefly explain the meaning of organizational behavior. Organizational Behaviour is a distinct and eclectic field of study involving the integration of behavioral sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc.) into the study of people‟s behaviour within the organization. It is primarily concerned with that aspect of human behaviour which is relevant for organizational performance. It studies human behaviour at individual level, group level and organizational level. It is an applied field. It applies the knowledge gained about individuals, groups and the effect of structure on behaviour in order to make organizations work more effectively. It represents only the behavioral approach to management. The study of people at work is generally referred to as the study of organizational behaviour. 8. Briefly explain the concept of individual differences. Organizational behaviour is based on the concept that each individual is different from others in several ways. One can find striking differences in traits like intelligence, physique, personality distinction etc. in different individuals. The concept of individual differences says that management can get the greatest motivations among employees by treating them differently. 9. Briefly explain the concept of whole man. Concept of whole man is based on the belief that any organization does not exclusively hire the skills of a person; instead a whole person with his social background, pride and prejudices is hired. Therefore, organizational behaviour emphasizes on development and growth of each employee into a better person. 10. Briefly explain the concept of human dignity.
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
This concept emphasizes that people are to be treated differently from other factors of production. It recognizes human dignity because people are of a higher order in the universe; they want to be treated with respect and dignity and should be treated this way. The concept of human dignity rejects the old idea of using employees as economic tools.
11. Briefly explain the concept of caused behaviour. Organizational behaviour is based on the concept that there is a cause and effect relationship behind every behaviour of an individual. Therefore, the mangers working in an organization should discover the cause behind a particular behaviour of employee and tackle the issue at its root. 12. List four major challenges of organizational behaviour. Major challenges are: (1) Respond towards Globalization, (2) Managing Work Force Diversity, (3) Improving Quality and Productivity and (4) Working/ Managing Virtual Organizations 13. What is meant by responding towards globalization? Management today is no longer constrained by national borders. Firms today are expanding their sales and manufacturing to other countries to get the advantage of low cost and skilled people. Responding to globalization implies coping with the problems of unfair laws, languages practices, competitors, attitude, management styles and work ethics. To respond to the needs and values of people of different countries managers need to be flexible and proactive. 14. What is meant by dealing with changed employee expectations? Knowledge workers demand empowerment and expect equality of status with the management. An average worker today demands better treatment, challenging jobs and career advancement. All this requires discovering new methods of hiring, training, remunerating and motivating employee. Here the knowledge of behavioural science enhances the people skills of manager and empowers them to visualize the needs and expectations of employees.
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
- Self-Concept : A person owns perception about himself and his self worth in his eyes shapes his behaviour. People with healthy self concept behave positively.
- Self-Efficacy : An individual‟s belief about his own capacity to perform a task determines behaviour. Research indicates that self efficacy is associated with high work performance in many work areas like sales, life insurance job, etc.
- Socio-Cultural Set Up : Shared sentiments, feelings, rituals, customs etc affect and govern behaviour.
- Reference Group : The reference group with which individuals interact determines behaviour. Compliance is always sought from reference group in case of important decisions.
- Needs : Individual‟s needs determine behaviour. For example if a student wants to be successful in exams he will study hard.
- Situations : Situation or external factors also affect behaviour. For example a student will behave differently in the principal‟s office, in temple or in an employment interview. 2. Write a short note on utility of knowledge of behaviour to a manager. OR How does the understanding of human nature facilitate a manager in performance of various roles? OR A manager‟s job is to get the results through other‟s efforts. He plans, organizes, directs and controls while managing the organizational units. Managers establish the direction to be pursued, allocate people and resources among tasks; supervise individual, group and organizational performance, and asses progress toward goals and objectives. In order to fulfill these functions they perform specific jobs, use a variety of skills and play particular roles. All this requires interaction with people with different beliefs, values, motives and different family background. An understanding of causes of human behaviour, its nature and how manipulation of external factors can result in desired behaviour facilitate him in performing his different roles as follows:
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
- The knowledge of various aspects of behaviour improves the „people‟s skills‟ of managers. It makes him understand himself and others better. It empowers the managers to visualize the need and expectations of employees who make up the organization.
- It sharpens managers ability to recognize various causes of problems of work place and improves the quality of work experience. The knowledge helps him in understanding, predicting and controlling the behaviour of employees. It makes a manager understand why people behave as they do. Also, it enables him to predict who will respond how under different situations.
- It increases a manager‟s ability to understand, tolerate and adjust with people.
- The understanding of behaviour improves manager‟s ability to understand and deal with people at individual level, group level and intergroup level.
- A manager can obtain desired results by looking at the causes of behaviour, a careful handling of person and clever manipulation of situation.
- The concepts of behaviour can be utilized to deal effectively with the problems of group dynamics, conflict management, team building etc.
- It helps in assigning tasks and job redesign according to employees attitude, need and interest. It makes the manager emotionally mature. Conclusion A manager does not have the luxury of not working or relating to other people in the organization. Hence, it is important for him to learn about human behaviour, find ways to improve interpersonal skills in order to become effective. 3. “The knowledge of behavioral science and its application in work place empowers a manager to get the work done through others with a win-win result”- explain. The study of behavioral science is useful to managers in the following ways to complete in today‟s challenging environment
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
- Coping with Temporariness: Globalization has resulted in temporariness. Organizations continuously reorganize their various divisions, sell off poorly performing business, outsource various activities, and subcontract non-critical activities. Hence, today‟s managers have to learn to live with flexibility, spontaneity and unpredictability. The theory of change and how to cope up and overcome resistance to change provides a useful insight to deal with these problems.
- Working/ Managing Virtual Organizations: With the advent of information technology, today, more and more employees do their jobs linked to others through networks. In such cases (situations) motivating and leading people and making collaborative decisions. online require different techniques than does dealing with persons present on a particular location. The knowledge of behavioural science enhances the peoples‟ skills of managers.
- Dealing with Changed Employee Expectations: Knowledge workers demand empowerment and expect equality of status with the management. An average worker today demands better treatment, challenging jobs and career advancement. All this requires discovering new methods of hiring, training, remunerating and motivating employee. Here the knowledge of behavioral science enhances the people skills of manager and empowers them to visualize the needs and expectations of employees.
- Helping Employees Balance work/life Conflicts: The various concepts of behavioral science arm and guide managers in designing workplaces and jobs that can help employees deal with work life conflicts.
- Improving Ethical Behaviour: Managers need to create an ethically healthy climate for thier employees. The knowledge, of perception, attitude, behaviour, conflict etc. helps a manager to respond to such problems effectively.
- Improve Productivity and efficiency: Managers learn the concept of empowerment, motivation, job satisfaction etc. through behavioral science. All this helps manager improve productivity and results.
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
- Overcome the Problem of Turnover and Absenteeism: The concept and knowledge of behavioral science makes a manager a good listener, communicator, councelor, and behavior creates a deep understanding of human behaviour. All this help in solving behavior related problems. Conclusion Thus, the knowledge of behavioral science and its application in work place empowers a manager to get the work done through others with a win-win result and cope up effectively and efficiently with the challenges and opportunities of globalization and modern day management.
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
Physical Appearances Verbal Communication Overt Expressive Behaviour Status Occupation
6. List characteristics of the perceiver that influence perception Characteristics of the perceiver that influence perception. Learning Attitude Self Concept Disposition Motivation Personality 7. List characteristics of the situation that influence perception. Characteristics of the situation that influence perception are: Physical setting Social setting Organisational setting 8. How does the size of an object affect perception? Large objects attract more attention because they are perceived faster. 9. How does the repetition affect perception? A repeated factor is more likely to be noticed e.g. advertisement are repeated, supervisor gives repeat instructions. 10. A repeated factor is more likely to be perceived. Example: On railway station the announcer repeats information about arrival and departure of train to attract the attention of concerned passengers. 11. What is called perceptual input? Stimuli are called perceptual inputs.
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
12. Name that step of perceptual process where raw data is recorded. Raw data is recorded during the process of **receiving stimuli
- Name that step of perceptual process which is related to the physiological aspect of** perception process. The process of receiving stimuli is related to the physiological aspect of perception process. 14. What are stimuli? Stimuli are the situations which confront human being .These may be in the form of people, object, events, information, conversation, etc. These are also called perceptual inputs. 15. How stimuli are received? Stimuli are received through the five sense organs of the perceiver – i.e. vision, hearing, smell, touch and taste. 16. What is the first condition of perceptual process? The presence of stimuli i.e., the situations which confront human being is the first condition of perceptual process. 17. List the factors affecting interpretation process of perception. The factors affecting interpretation are Perceptual Selectivity Perceptual Defense and Perceptual Context 18. Write an example of inner needs which affects perception. Examples A person working in a sick firm is more likely to notice job advertisements than others. A hungry man looks for signs of restaurant. An insecure boss perceives subordinates efforts to do an outstanding job as a threat to his position. A person with a high need of friendship quickly identifies friendly persons and gets attracted to them.
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
Briefly answer the following. (2 marks)
1. Explain the meaning and concept of perception. Perception is the selection and organization of environmental stimuli to provide meaningful experiences for the receiver. Perception involves searching for, obtaining and processing information in the mind. It represents the psychological process whereby people take information from the environment and make sense of their worlds. 2. How is perceptual process affected by the characteristics of the person who is perceived? List the characteristics of the person perceived. Perceptual process is influenced by a variety of cues like facial expressions, general appearances, skin colour, posture, age, gender, voice quality, personality traits, behaviours , first impression etc. In general interpersonal perception is influenced by the following characteristics : Physical appearances Verbal communication Overt and Expressive behaviour Status or Positions Occupations 3. Write an example of characteristics of the situation which affects perception. Example, a conversation with the boss will be perceived differently when taking place in a casual reception area than if held in the boss‟s cabin with door closed and red lights on. 4. Write an example of influence of physical appearance which affects perception. People dressed in white Kurta Pyjamas are thought to be politician or a social worker. A person in suit and tie is thought to be an executives. 5. Write an example of occupation which affects perception. Executives, Engineers, IAS Officers, Doctors are considered persons with values and morals as honest and trustworthy. Whereas a taxi driver is not trusted easily. 6. What is perceptual process? Perception is a step-by-step Process. First the information (sensory data) from the environment is observed five through our senses: taste, smell, hear, see and touch. Next
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
the mind screens the data and selects only those items, which will be processed further. Thereafter selected data is organized into meaningful patterns for interpretation and response.
7. Draw the diagram of perceptual process. Diagram of perceptual process 8. What affects the selection of stimuli? Two factors, govern the selection of stimuli – internal and external. The external factors relate to the characteristics of the object viz, – nature, location, intensity, size, contrast repetition, motion, novelty and familiarity. The internal factors relate to the characteristics of the perceiver viz. learning, needs and motivation, values, beliefs, personality interest etc. Normally, the perceiver selects those objects, which interest him and others he avoids. 9. Explain the process of organizing of stimuli. People organize or categories stimuli according to their frame of reference. This is done through perceptual grouping. The mechanism of perceptual grouping is closure, continuity, proximity and similarity, figure ground, perceptual constancy and perceptual context. 10. What is the process of reacting? The final phase of perception is reaction, response or behavior, either overt or covert. As a result of perception an employee may respond more rapidly/slowly (overt behavior) or he may make self-evaluation or there may be change in feelings, attitudes, values or
SITUATION
RECEIVING SELECTING ORGANISING
REACTING CHECKING INTERPRETING
PERCEIVER
PERCEPTUAL INPUTS STIMULI
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
16. How the principle of location is used in advertisement? Examples: i).Hoardings at prominent places- like railway stations, main street, or putting at a particular height so that it can be noticed easily and quickly. ii): Prime time advertisement on TV during 8 to 9 pm. when majority of people watch TV. iii) Advertisement on front page inside or last page inside or outside the cover of magazine. iv) Advertisement in upper portion or left-hand side corners in classified advertisements in newspapers. 17. Define perceptual organization. “Perceptual organization is the process by which people assemble, organize and categories information from the environment. In this process people group environmental stimuli into recognizable patterns (wholes) according to their frame of references that allows them to interpret what they perceive.” 18. List the mechanism of perceptual grouping. The mechanisms of perceptual grouping are: (i) Closure, (ii) Continuity, (iii) Proximity and (iv) Similarity. 19. List measures for improving perceptual skills. Measures for improving perceptual skills: Perceiving Oneself Accurately Improving Self-Concept Having a Positive Attitude Being Empathetic Open Communication Avoid Common Perceptual Distortions Operate from Adult Ego State 20. Why attributions theory is significant? Attribution theory is significant because interpretation of one‟s actions influences one‟s own behaviour and responses to those actions and provides a basis for the prediction of future events. One looks for meanings in the behaviour of others. Although the reasons why people do what people do what they do are very complex, one tends to attribute causation.
Technology, Uka Tarsadia University Question Bank 030030302: Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
Answer the following (limit 250 words). (5 marks)
1. Write short note on the characteristics of perceiver that affect perception. Following characteristics of perceiver affects perception. (A) Personality: An individual‟s own personality traits and characteristics have an interesting influence on his perception. Some are discussed below: Self Concept: It is an individual‟s perception about himself. A person with good self concept tends to see things in positive enriching light or vice versa Self Efficacy (Abilities): Self-efficacy is a person‟s belief about his own capacity to perform a specific task and his chances of successfully accomplishing the task. High self-efficacy is associated with positive experiences and low self-efficacy leads to a negative mood. Response Disposition: It is a short-term emotional response, which an individual exhibits. Response Salience (Back Ground): The background of people in which they have been trained, affects the importance to be attached to a particular stimuli. Perceptual Defense: The unpleasant stimuli create a threatening situation in people, such stimuli are ignored with special effort by the individuals. In other words, people become psychologically deaf or blind to the disturbing parts of environment. It is a sensible defense device. (B) Motivation: Motives play a significant role in perception. Inner Needs: People tend to perceive stimuli or notice things that provide a way to satisfy their inner needs. Interest: Stimuli are selected according to the interest of the perceiver. (C) Learning: Learning determines the development of perceptual sets. The factors of learning which affect perceptual selection are given below: Values and Beliefs: Those stimuli are selected which are in conformity with person‟s belief system and others are discarded.
