Organizational Behavior Analysis

In this assignment you will analyze the organizational behavior of your current or former employer. Describe how the following areas influence the organizational behavior in a negative or positive manner:

1. Type of culture (Pluralism, Dualism or Salad bowl)
2. Modes of communication in the organization (i.e., written or verbal)
3. Nature of authority (i.e., recognized social rank)
4. Motivational techniques (e.g. intrinsic or extrinsic used to influence productivity and performance)
5. Areas of EQ (emotional quotient) embraced by the organization
6. Virtual elements (i.e., teleworking and virtual offices)

Provide examples for each item listed above and discuss how each example applies to the organization identified. Your paper must be eight to ten pages in length and use a minimum of four scholarly sources, in addition to the textbook. Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center

Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:

1. Must be eight-to-ten double-spaced pages in length (not including the title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page with the following:
   1. Title of paper
   2. Student’s name
   3. Course name and number
   4. Instructor’s name
   5. Date submitted
3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
5. Must use headers
6. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
7. Must document a minimum of four scholarly sources (8-10 would be better), in addition to the textbook, in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Welcome to the final week of class. 

Coaching

Coaching and mentoring share many similarities. According to the International Institute of Coaching (2012) coaching is a form of personal development where the client and coach form an alliance that promotes and sustains the client’s personal growth. Coaching is an interactive, results oriented process that brings about change. Mentoring on the other hand is the process of giving another person help and advice.

According to Psychology Today, overstressed managers are increasingly turning to coaches to avoid burnout and to maximize their chances of success. 

 Mentoring

Relationship building is another way of transmitting organizational culture. Mentoring at its best describes a reciprocal relationship between two or more individuals (Zachary, 2005). Mentoring allows information to be transmitted, helps with future career growth, and assists organizations in retaining productive employees. In many businesses employees are encouraged to form relationships with mentors. These relationships tend to instill a sense of membership in the company. However, the mentor/protégée relationship is not indefinite, as individuals’ progress through an organization relationships and mentors change based upon circumstances

Influence, Power, & Organizational Survival Kit

Power

 Power is the ability to get things done.

 Power can be upward or downward in nature.

 According to Kinicki and Kreitner (2009) there are 5 types of power?

 1. Reward power-granting or promising rewards.

 2. Coercive power-threats or reprimand.

 3. Legitimate power-position in organization.

 4. Expert power-power gained from knowledge.

 5. Reverent power-the power of those who are charismatic.

Politics and Management

What is organizational politics?  According to Allen, et al (1979) it is the acts one commits while at work.

Office politics is difficult to define but you can recognize it when you see it.

Politics is the dynamics among those who are part of the work environment and it plays an important part in how a business is run

Political Tactics

According to Kinicki and Kreitner (2009) tactics that can be used include:

Build a network of useful contacts.

Using “key players” to support initiatives.

Making friends with power brokers.

Bending the rules to fit the situation.

Self promotion.

Creating a favorable image (impression management).

 Praising others (ingratiation).

 Attacking or blaming others.

Using information as a political tool.

I hope this week’s guidance has been helpful. I look forward to reading your responses to this week’s discussion questions.

References

Allen, D. L., Madison, L. W., Porter, P. A., Renwick, & Mayes, B. T. (1979). Organizational politics: The state of the field links to related processes, and agenda for future research. Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management 17, 1-39

Anonymous (nd). Coaching.  Retrieved September 20, 2012 from http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/coaching

International Institute of Coaching (2012). What is coaching? Retrieved September 12, 2012

Kinicki, A., & Kreitner, R. (2009). Organizational behavior: Key concepts, skills, & best practices. New York: The McGraw Hill Company

Zachary, L. J. (2005) Creating a mentoring culture: the organization’s guide. San Francisco: John Wiley and Sons