Transcript
BUSN 221 Chapter 4
Jeff Parsons
Perceptions, Attributions and Emotions
Learning Objectives
1. Provide an insightful explanation of the basic framework and the elements of the perceptual process in a workplace context
2. Identify and elaborate upon the typical perceptual errors made by individuals in organizational settings
3. Discuss the insights provided by attribution theory toward the understanding of human behaviour in organizations
Learning Objectives cont’d
4. Describe the typical impression management tactics pursued by organizational participants and to explain the underlying motivations of such tactics
5. Discuss the role that emotions play in work performance
6. Critically evaluate the contribution of Goleman’s theory of emotional intelligence with respect to the discharge of individual and managerial responsibilities.
Perception
Definition“The process by which an individual
gives meaning to the environment. It involves organizing and interpreting various stimuli into a psychological experience.” (pg. 56)
The Perceptual Process(for the individual) (pg. 57)
Organizing, Translating, and SelectionEnvironment
Stimuli
• Manager style
• Technology
• Noise
• Peers
• Reward system
• Compensation plan
• Career opportunities
Response
• Attitudes
• Feelings
• Motivation
• Behavioral
Observation
• Sight
• Learning
• Taste
• Smell
Selection• Intensity
• Size
• Impatience
• Stereotyping
• Self-concept
• Emotions
Translation
The Perceptual Process
Selection Focus on stimuli important/large/intense to
us Translation
Subject to our biases, needs, emotions, attitudes
Misinterpretation leads to perceptual errors
The Perception Gap (pg. 58)
Gives privileges 52% 14%
Gives more responsibility
48% 10%
Gives a pat on the back 82% 13%
Gives sincere and thorough praise
80% 14%
Trains for better jobs 64% 9%
Gives more interesting work
51% 3%
Types of Recognition
How Often Supervisors Say They Acknowledge Good
Performance
How Often Subordinates Say
Supervisors Acknowledge Good
Performance
Typical Perceptual Errors Stereotyping
Generalizations about groups whereby we assign a set of predefined characteristics to the group
Prejudice Stereotype that does not change even when
individual is presented with proof that it is incorrect
Selective attention Giving some messages priority over others
Divided attention Dividing mental efforts among tasks
(multitasking)
Typical Perceptual Errors cont’d Halo Effect
One noticeable or important characteristic biases overall perception
Similar-to-Me Favourably perceive those similar to
ourselves Situational Factors
E.g time constraints, attitudes of subordinates
Needs and Desires Our needs/desires influence our
perceptions
Attribution Theory
Definition“The process by which individuals
attempt to explain the reasons for events.” (pg. 63)
The Attribution Process
Event Analysis of what caused
the event
Reinforcement or modification
of previous assumptions of
causality
Choices regarding
future behavior
Example:
I received a raise
I received the raise because I
am a hard worker
Hard work leads to
rewards in this organization
I value these rewards, so I will continue to work
hard in the future
Internal and External AttributionsDistinctiveness
Does this person behave in this
same manner in other situations?
YES
NO
Low Distinctiveness
High Distinctiveness
Consistency
Does this person behave in this
same manner at other times?
YES
NO
High Consistency
Low Consistency
INTERNALATTRIBUTION
INTERNALATTRIBUTION
EXTERNALATTRIBUTION
EXTERNALATTRIBUTION
Consensus
Do other people behave in this same manner?
NO
YES
Low Consensus
High Consensus
Impression Management
DefinitionThe process of trying to influence other
people’s perception of you. (pg. 65)
WHY?
Impression Management Tactics1. Ingratiation
1. Flattery, favours offered
2. Self-promotion1. Tout own abilities, competence,
accomplishments
3. Exemplification1. Desire to be viewed as extremely
dedicated
4. Supplication1. Desire to be viewed as needing help due to
limitations
5. Intimidation1. Desire to be viewed as powerful,
threatening
Emotions
DefinitionA state of physiological arousal characterized by changes in facial expression, gestures, positive and subjective feelings. (pg. 67)
Visible and/or audible signs of what a person is feeling
Primary Emotions
Emotions in the Workplace
Why should we care about this? Positive or negative emotions
influence the workplace Those who are able to understand
their, and others’, emotions may be more effective in their job
Emotional Intelligence
Awareness of feelings Handling of relationships,
interactions with others
Goleman’s Theory ofEmotional Intelligence
Emotions are a domain of intelligence
Two Brains, Two Minds, Two types of intelligence1. Rational2. Emotional
Success contingent on how intelligently a person acts which is determined by the balance and management of emotions
Arguments for Emotional Intelligence
Intuitive appeal Biologically based
Criticism of Emotional Intelligence
Concept is too vague EI cannot be measured Is it really valid?
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