Chapter 2: Foundations of Individual Behavior

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Chapter Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter you should be able to: Identify the key biographical characteristics of individuals and describe how they are relevant to OB. Contrast the two types of ability. Define intellectual ability and demonstrate its relevance to OB.
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What do you look for in your partner?

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Biographical Characteristics of Individuals

Objective and easily obtained personal characteristics. Age Older workers bring experience, judgment, a strong work ethic, and commitment to quality. Gender Few differences between men and women that affect job performance.
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Biographical Characteristics
Race (the biological heritage used to identify oneself) Contentious issue: differences exist, but could be more culture-based than race-based Disability (blindness, hearing impaired, mental inllness) -- A person with more than 40% disability is considered as disabled under Disabilities Act of 1995
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Other Biographical Characteristics

Tenure People with job tenure (seniority at a job) are more productive, absent less frequently, have lower turnover, and are more satisfied. Religion Islam is especially problematic in the workplace in this post-9/11 world. Sexual Orientation High Court of Delhi decriminalized homosexuality
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Ability
An individuals capacity to perform the various tasks in a job. Made up of two sets of factors: Intellectual Abilities The abilities needed to perform mental activities. General Mental Ability (GMA) is a measure of overall intelligence. No correlation between intelligence and job satisfaction. Physical Abilities The capacity to do tasks demanding stamina, strength and similar characteristics.
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Dimensions of Intellectual Ability

Number Aptitude- arithmetic. Accountant Verbal Comprehension-ability to understand Memory- retain and recall past experience Inductive Reasoning-logical sequence-Forecasting Deductive Reasoning-assess the implication Spatial Visualization- Interior designer Perceptual Speed-visual similarities-Fireman
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Nine Basic Physical Abilities

Strength Factors Dynamic strength-Construction worker Trunk strength- Weight lifter Static strength- to push a car Explosive strength- Sprint race(100mts race) Flexibility Factors Extent flexibility- gymnastics Dynamic flexibility- Dancing Other Factors Body coordination-skipping Balance-Walking on rope Stamina- Marathon
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Diversity Management
How to have an effective diversified group? Diverse employeesAttracting Selecting Developing and Retaining =Spreading messages to minority groups =Selection by managers with objectivity =career growth based on interpersonal skills =equally diversified employees
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Questions
Identify the key biographical characteristics of individuals and how they are relevant to OB. List different types of intellectual and physical abilities. Describe the diversity management strategies for organisations.

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