Organizational Behavior

Essay questions

1. Discuss the different models of change as presented in the textbook and by Schein (1990). Why are people resistant to change and what can managers do to create change in organizations?

2. What is organizational culture? What are some reasons management might want to intentionally change the culture of their organization? Distinguish culture from climate and discuss the ways in which culture is formed and developed in organizations. What steps can management take to change organizational culture?

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using reward systems to manage individual performance. How can rewards facilitate performance and why do some (Kohn, 1996) argue that rewards have negative effects on performance? What kinds of issues does management need to be aware of when using rewards to motivate specific behaviors? What types of rewards and incentives seem to be most effective at motivating good performance?

4. Considering the leadership theories that we read about and discussed, what do you consider leadership to be? Is there any difference between a leader and a manager? What factors do you think provide for effective leadership? Is it possible that situations may exist in which leadership is not necessary? Explain your answer.

5. What is transformational leadership? Discuss the different dimensions of this type of leadership and the characteristics of transformational leaders. What are some correlates/outcomes of transformational leadership and how might these leaders affect job behaviors? What role does charisma play in transformational leadership and what are the differences (if any) between a transformational and a charismatic leader?  

6. What factors are important for effective group and team performance in organizations? What are some functional group leader roles that might support group and team effectiveness? What specific behaviors might leaders perform in order to create factors important for group success?