Student’s Last Name 1

Student’s Name

Professor’s Name

Subject

DD Month YYYY

ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

Chapter 2

Question one

Based on what you know about learning theory, explain why the workers engaged in

inappropriate behaviors during work hours and why they were not doing what they were

supposed to be doing.

Based on learning theory, there are several reasons as to why workers may have been engaging

in these inappropriate behaviors, they include:

 They may have low self-esteem issues in their work.

 When working it appears as if their self-efficacy is low.

 During work, the level of locus of control may be low.

 Their neuroticism may also be low when working.

Question two

Use operant learning theory and social cognitive theory to explain what can be done to

eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase desirable behaviors. What approach do you

recommend?

Using operant learning theory, the school board can eliminate the undesirable behaviors either

adding a positive or negative reinforcement. By adding a positive reinforcement, it means the

board needs to add a stimulus by rewarding those who perform well. As for negative
 Student’s Last Name 2

reinforcement, they could reduce the unpleasant stimulus which could include improving the

level of supervision or punishing those with undesirable behaviors. In terms of social cognitive

theory, through observational learning, if they punish the misbehaving employees through

suspension. It could change their undesirable characters. The board can also allow an employee

to set self-goals, this could help guide their behaviors. Therefore, I would recommend the use of

operant theory as it has both a positive and negative effect on how an employee behaves.

Chapter 4

Question one

Use equity theory to help explain how these incidents might influence Joan’s job

satisfaction and behavior?

Based on the theory of equity, Joan needs to compare the input she has on her job with the inputs

being put by the recent graduates and the other two workers who have a similar record. Then, she

can compare the outcomes the outcome she receives with the outcome being offered by the two

graduates and other workers. Here, she can realize that she’s being underpaid as she performs

tremendously on her work, compared to the initial salary of new hires and her colleagues.

Therefore, due to inequality ration between her input and output compared to her colleagues, she

should be aware that her situation is inequitable. This could make her less motivated and

susceptible to a situation where she would have to lower her work quality as a result of a

decrease in job satisfaction brought about by a lack of fairness.

Chapter 5

Question one

Use goal-setting theory to explain why setting goals for the teaching assistants was not very

effective and how it could have been more effective?

 Student’s Last Name 3

The goal-setting theory states that definite and challenging goals along with correct feedback

lead to high and better task performance. Therefore, in Prof. Hackenbush's case, several reasons

stand out as to why his goals for teaching assistant wasn’t effective. First, his goal wasn’t

specific and clear to the teaching assistants. Secondly, based on the fact that his teaching

assistant had several exams themselves the goal never had a realistic balance. Thirdly, he never

requested or provide income throughout the team. Lastly, his time scale was unrealistic and

never had regular reviews. Therefore, if I was to advise Prof. Hackenbush, first it would be

appropriate to have clarity in your goal. Secondly, he should have set a realistic balance to his

goal considering they also have exams. Thirdly, it would help if he offered income to keep track

of his goal. Lastly, he should have broken down the process into sub-goals and provide regular

reviews.

Question two

What advice would you give Professor Hackenbush next time he needs to motivate his

teaching assistants to mark exams? Refer to the different theories of motivation to answer

this question

I would recommend three motivation theories for Professor Hackenbush: Maslow's hierarchy of

needs theory, Alderfer ERG theory and McClelland theory of needs. Therefore, the use of

Maslow’s theory would help motivate his assistants in that; he will be able to understand the pre-

determined hierarchy of needs which include; physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-

actualization. Secondly, the use of Alderfer ERG theory, this would help in that he would

understand that as the lower-level needs become gratified, the more the higher level need of

satisfaction is desired, and vice-versa. Hence, by satisfying his assistant apparent need it could

act as a helper by substituting the unsatisfied needs. Lastly, McClelland's theory could help the
 Student’s Last Name 4

professor understand that people are spurred to search out and perform well in employments that

much their needs. Hence, he should know what suits his assistant for them to be motivated to

mark the exams.