BA323 exam

Chapter 1 Review Questions

1. How would you define “organization development”?
Answer: Organization development is a series of planned behavioral science intervention activities with the purpose of increasing the effectiveness of the system and developing the potential of all individual members. OD efforts are planned, systematic approaches to change that are carried out in collaboration with organization members to help find improved ways of working together toward individual and organizational goals.

2. How does OD differ from a single-change technique such as management training?
Answer: OD represents a systems approach that is concerned with the interrelationship of various divisions, departments, groups, and individuals as interdependent subsystems of the total organization. A single technique such as management training is aimed at changing individual behavior, whereas OD is focused on the larger goal of developing an organization-wide improvement in managerial style. OD uses many different techniques and no single technique represents the OD discipline.

3. Identify and demonstrate the uses of the psychological contract.
Answer: Psychological contract involves the expectations on the part of individuals and organizations to which they belong or in which they take part (i.e., work). Each side must understand that such a “contract” exists and that unless these expectations are met, there will be conflict.

4. Explain the difference between pivotal and peripheral norms.
Answer: Pivotal norms are essential to accomplishing the organization’s objectives. Peripheral norms support and contribute to the pivotal norms but are not essential to the organization’s objectives.

5. Explain three basic responses an individual may have to socialization.
Answer: Socialization is the process that adapts employees to the organization’s culture.