Essentials of Organizational Behavior

Concepts, Controversies and Applications

 

Chapter 14

Technology, Work Design, and Stress

 

Learning Objectives
Chapter Fourteen

• Describe the role of the PDCA Cycle in continuous improvement
• Explain the current popularity of reengineering and contrast it with TQM
• Describe the implications of flexible manufacturing systems for people who work within them
• Identify who is affected by worker obsolescence
• Contrast the job characteristics model with the social information processing model
• Identify the characteristics of a family-friendly organization
• Describe potential sources of stress
• Explain individual difference variables that moderate the stress-outcome relationship

Quality and Continuous Improvement

• Total Quality Management (TQM)
• The PDCA Cycle

Reengineering Work Processes

• Identify distinctive competencies
• Assess core processes
• Reorganize horizontally by process

Flexible Manufacturing Systems Integrate:

• Computer-aided design
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Low-volume production
• At mass production costs

Design of Work Based on Task Characteristics

• Requisite Task Attributes Theory
• The Job Characteristics Model
• Social Information Processing Model

Requisite Task Attributes Theory Defines Six Task Characteristics

• Variety
• Autonomy
• Responsibility
• Knowledge and skill
• Required social interaction
• Optional social interaction

The Job Characteristics Model Computes Motivating Potential Score (MPS) Based on:

• Skill variety
• Task identity
• Task significance
• Autonomy
• Feedback

Social Information Processing Model Relies on Influencing Employee Perceptions About

• Difficulty
• Challenge
• Autonomy

Options for Work Redesign

• Job rotation
• Job enlargement
• Job enrichment

Figure 14-3

Guidelines for enriching a job

Alternative Work Schedule Options

• Compressed workweek
• Shorter workweek
• Flextime
• Job sharing
• Telecommuting

Family Friendly Organizations Offer an Umbrella of Programs

• On-site day care
• Elder-care referrals
• Day-care referrals
• Flexible hours
• Compressed workweeks
• Job sharing
• Telecommuting
• Temporary part-time employment
• Relocation assistance for family members of employees

Stress

A dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an opportunity, constraint, or demand for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important.

Potential Sources of Stress

Environmental factors

+

Organizational factors

+

Individual factors

= Total Stress

 

Individual Differences

• Perception
• Job experience
• Social Support
• Belief in locus of control
• Hostility

Consequences of Stress

• Physiological symptoms
• Psychological symptoms
• Behavioral symptoms

Inverted-U Relationship Between Stress and Job Performance

Individual Approaches to Managing Stress

• Time management
• Exercise
• Relaxation techniques

Organizational Approaches to Managing Stress

• Selection and placement
• Goal setting
• Job redesign
• Employee involvement
• Organizational communication
• Wellness programs