Leadership Traits, Motivation, Job Design and Conflict Management
Trait-Based Leadership Theories
Trait-based leadership theories: the idea is that leaders have certain personal characteristics (physical, mental, and emotional) that set them apart.
Attributes by Type
Positive attributes / Negative attributes / Neutral attributes
- Positive:
- Trustworthy
- Encouraging
- Honest
- Decisive
- Communicative
- Dependable
- Negative:
- Noncooperative
- Irritable
- Dictatorial
- Ruthless
- Egocentric
- Asocial
- Neutral:
- Ambitious
- Individualistic
- Cunning
- Cautious
- Class-conscious
- Evasive
– Physical vitality
– Self-confidence
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Read MoreFoundational Concepts in Organizational Behavior and I-O Psychology
1. Organizational Behaviour (OB)
OB (I-O Psychology) is the scientific study of behavior in organizations.
- Applies psychology to work settings.
- Goal: Explain, predict, and improve job behavior and performance.
- Uses the scientist–practitioner model, emphasizing data-driven decisions.
2. Individual Differences
These are stable differences between people used to predict behavior and job performance.
Main individual differences include:
- Cognitive ability (g)
- Personality
- Knowledge, skills, and competencies
- Emotional
Essential Concepts in Organizational Behavior and Management
Organizational Behavior and Management Fundamentals
Organizational Behavior (OB) studies how people think, feel, and act in organizations.
OB uses models to simplify reality, analyzing independent (cause) and dependent (effect) variables to explain behavior.
Management: Art, Science, and Context
- Management is not an exact science; it blends social science, art, and craft.
- There is no single best way to manage; outcomes vary depending on context, people, and situations.
Leadership vs. Management
- Leadership
Organizational Behavior: Key Concepts, Personality, and Ethics
An Organization is a consciously coordinated social unit, made up of a group of people who work together on common goals on a relatively continuous basis.
Key Factors Influencing Organizational Behavior
Individual Differences
People enter groups and organizations with certain characteristics that influence behavior. These include: Perception, Values, and Attitudes.
Job Satisfaction
(See definition under Key Job Attitudes)
Motivation
(See definitions under Types of Motivation)
Empowerment
Empowerment means
Understanding Workplace Dynamics and Employee Psychology
Workplace Values and Attitudes
Commitment Types (CAN)
Employee commitment can manifest in different ways:
- Continuance: Staying because leaving is too costly. Example: “I can’t afford to lose my benefits.”
- Affective: Staying because of emotional attachment. Example: “I love this company.”
- Normative: Staying out of obligation or a sense of duty. Example: “They trained me, I owe them.”
EVLN Model: Reactions to Dissatisfaction
The EVLN Model describes common employee reactions to workplace dissatisfaction:
Read MoreUnderstanding Workplace Dynamics: OB Principles
- Challenges and Opportunities in Organizational Behavior
In today’s workplace, there are many challenges and opportunities in the area of Organizational Behavior (OB). Understanding OB is more important than ever for managers, as organizations are changing at a much more rapid pace than historically seen.
- Responding to economic pressures
- Responding to globalization
- Managing workplace diversity
- Improving customer service
- Improving people skills
- Working in networked organizations
- Enhancing employee well-being