Chapter 14 Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is an organization?
A social arrangement for achieving controlled performance in pursuit of collective goals.
How does an organization differ from other social groups?
- It is explicitly started and devised
- It usually provides a hierarchical structure with appointed leaders and tasks
- People are hired for their abilities and expertise.
What does the social psychology of organizations seek to understand?
Human behavior in organizations.
What is self categorization?
The tendency of individuals to think of themselves as representing a social group.
Define social identification.
A relatively enduring state that reflects an individual’s readiness to define themselves as a member of a particular social group.
What are the two processes emphasized in the social identity approach?
- Self categorization
- Social identification
What is social categorization?
The tendency to consider individuals and their distinctive features by organizing them into social groups.
What do people strive to attain in terms of social identity?
A sense of positive self-worth and esteem derived from their membership in social groups.
What is social comparison?
The process of comparing features and achievements of individuals or groups to assess their relative value.
What are social identities?
Aspects of one’s self-view that derive from membership in a particular group.
What does employee motivation refer to?
The force that energizes people to take action, directs their efforts toward specific goals, and sustains their efforts until they reach these goals.
What is organizational psychology?
The scientific study of people’s behavior in work settings.
What three aspects does organizational psychology aim to understand?
- Which conditions encourage employees to invest energy at work
- Which activities employees are likely to focus their efforts on
- What makes them continue their efforts over time
What is organizational commitment?
A sense of emotional involvement with a group, such as one’s work team or organization.
How is organizational commitment related to work motivation?
It is the key attitude that explains differences in work motivation.
What is Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB)?
All voluntary efforts that go above and beyond the call of duty, essential for the competitive success of the organization.
What does achieving innovation at work refer to?
The development and introduction of new products, ideas, or ways of working.
What might reduce the general openness to change in organizations?
Some features that facilitate work productivity, such as emotional and organizational commitment.
According to the social identity approach, when is innovation and change facilitated?
When they are part of the organization’s common identity.
What is an organizational climate?
The common tendency of people working in the organization to value specific achievements, behaviors, and choices.
What does diversity refer to in the context of work?
The degree to which workers differ from each other in work-relevant background characteristics.
What implication does increased diversity have in the workplace?
The variety of goals, ambitions, and motives among workers is greater than ever.
What can signal to workers that they are unseen or unimportant?
The extent to which organizations fail to acknowledge the unique contributions of different groups.
How are leadership issues better understood?
By realizing that leaders and their followers mutually influence each other.
