CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR?

IV. ACTIVITIES AND EXERCISES

I.

Since the coronavirus affected lives and livelihoods, some employees are giving
more efforts just to stay in their works and have a stable source of income. At this stage, 13 th
month pay is one of the benefits that they are looking forward for. Even with business that
experience losses due to the pandemic, employers are still legally required to give workers their
13th month pay.

Earlier, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III proposed to allow distressed

companies and businesses to defer the release of their employees’ 13 th month pay. It is a move
that may affect around 2 million workers according to the Employers Confederation of the
Philippines. Some of the labor groups in the Philippines did not agree to the proposal of allowing
the small and medium businesses to postpone this bonus pay. Later, Bello III stated that
Department of Labor and Employment did not intend to call for a deferment of employees’ 13 th
month pay as businesses continued to struggle in the midst of this pandemic. “I was
misunderstood when I mentioned especially in the implementing rules and regulations, there is
a provision which says that companies in distress are exempted from paying 13th month pay,”
he said. The proposal has been rejected by several senators and condemned by labor groups.
Under Presidential Decree 851, all employers are mandated to release the 13 th month pay on or
before December 24, regardless of the nature of the workers’ employment.

This is under challenges and opportunities, responding to economic pressures in

particular. Managers give incentives like 13 th month pay during the good times. On the other
hand, managers need help for them to decide and cope in bad times such as the pandemic.
Nevertheless, I believe that the government should not use this pandemic as an excuse to
deprive workers of their rights. The interruption of the said bonus cannot be done legally
without a private agreement between the business owner and the workers.

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 II.

Starbucks, a name that stands at front when we talk about cafes. It is an

organization that I really admire. It is one of the famous coffee shops in the world. It is known as
the world’s largest coffeehouse chain. It offers high-quality whole bean coffees, a broad
selection of Italian-style espresso beverages, cold drinks, iced shaken refreshments, a selection
of teas and a variety of fresh pastries. Starbucks Philippines has over 300 branches with more
than 4,000 employees.

It has a matrix organizational structure which involves different aspects from the
basic types of organizational structures. There are four main features of its structure. First, the
functional hierarchy which refers to grouping based on business function. Second, Starbucks
Coffee’s corporate structure involves geographic divisions, which are based on physical location
of operations. Then, it has product-based divisions that address product lines. Lastly, there are
teams that are most visible at the lowest organizational levels, particularly at the coffeehouses. 

I chose Starbucks because I, myself, experience how great the company is. I am
a coffee-lover so I really appreciate it. Their food and drinks can satisfy my cravings. The
ambiance of their stores gives the relaxation and comfort that everyone needs. Some may say
that Starbucks has played a role in some of their most cherished moments each holiday season
with every year that they release amazing new coffee treats and seasonal favorites. In addition
to that, the employees and baristas are approachable and friendly. Starbucks can really lighten
up your mood. It really provides both a great atmosphere and outstanding services. One can sit
and enjoy coffee without much time restriction, even more with free Wi-fi facility.

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 III.

In Organizational Behavior, I want to learn how to behave and perform

appropriately in a workplace. I am in the process of practicing and improving it. I understand
that not everyone has the same attitude as me. I respect others’ opinions and beliefs. I want to
develop a perception of the aspects that can motivate myself.

I have been surprised by the actions of someone who owns a school. A teacher
has made a mistake regarding a student’s score in an exam. The school director cannot control
his temper. He shouted at his employees and made bad decisions when he was angry. He did
not accept suggestions and opinions of others. I knew that the employees had no confidence to
stand for themselves. As far as I remember, some employees filed their resignation letters
immediately.

Awareness about organizational behavior makes the work, relationship and life
understandable. It helps the managers and employees to use their skills and achieve the goals
together. It develops work-related environment and motivated atmosphere in an organization.
Organizational behavior serves as a way for the people in the workplace to understand each
other and also to improve themselves. Companies need to invest in organizational behavior
because it provides the insights needed for them to run smoothly and effectively.

V. ASSESSMENT

1. FALSE - There are 11 Challenges and Opportunities in OB.

2. FALSE - Psychology, Social Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology are the Contributing
Disciplines to OB.
3. TRUE
4. TRUE
5. FALSE - French industrialist Henri Fayol: All managers perform 5 management functions
that presently condensed into 4 namely; Planning, Organizing, Leading, and controlling

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MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. E
2. D
3. C
4. C
5. C
6. E
7. E
8. C
9. D
10. B