Chapter 1 Introduction to Organizational Behavior

A key feature of organizations is that their members have a defined and agreed upon collective sense of purpose

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A key feature of organizations is that their members have a collective sense of purpose. This collective purpose isn’t always well defined or agreed on. Most companies have vision and mission statements, but they are sometimes out of date or don’t describe what employees actually try to achieve.

One key feature of organizations is that they are collective entities.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

One key feature of all organizations throughout history is that they are collective entities. They consist of human beings—typically, but not necessarily, employees—who interact with one another in an organized way.

The open systems view emphasizes that organizations survive by adapting to changes in the external environment.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The open systems view states that organizations depend on the external environment for resources, affect that environment through their output, and consist of internal subsystems that transform inputs to outputs.

Stakeholders of an organization are shareholders, customers, suppliers, governments, and any other groups that affect or are affected by the company’s objectives and actions.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Stakeholders include individuals, organizations, and other entities that affect, or are affected by, the organization's objectives and actions.

Organizational efficiency is considered the ultimate dependent variable in the study of organizational behavior.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Organizational effectiveness (not efficiency) is considered the ultimate dependent variable in the study of organizational behavior.

Systematic research investigation produces evidence-based management, which involves making decisions and taking actions based on this research evidence.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Systematic research investigation produces evidence-based management, which involves making decisions and taking actions based on this research evidence.

Most organizational events may be studied from all three levels of analysis: individual, team, and organization.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The multiple levels of analysis that anchor OB knowledge include three levels of analysis: individual, team, and organization.

Inclusive organizations value diversity as an important resource.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Organizations try to create an inclusive workplace, which is one that values people of all identities and allows them to be fully themselves while contributing to the organization. In other words, an inclusive organization views diversity as a valued resource.

Deep-level diversity can be seen in an individual’s beliefs, values, and attitudes.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Deep level diversity includes differences in personalities, beliefs, values, and attitudes. We can’t directly see this deep-level diversity, but it is evident in a person’s words, decisions, and actions.

To improve work-life integration through “boundary setting,” some companies prohibit work-related communication after the regular workday.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Some organizations adopt structured boundary management through rules that prohibit work-related communication (except in extreme emergencies) after the regular work day.