week three discussion
Readings and Resources
Read Chapters 4 & 5 of Konopaske, Ivancevich, and Matteson (KIM)
Mini-lecture
Chapter 4: Perceptions and Attributions
As this chapter will discuss, perceptions are based on our previous experiences and how we try to make sense of our environment. However, our perceptions can be 100% wrong. These perceptions lead to attributions and how we “interpret” our environment around us, and again, they can be 100% wrong, but they can also be 100% correct. This chapter will discuss, stereotypes, prejudice, self-serving bias, etc… so that managers can understand how their perceptions and attributions can help them, or mislead them in the work place.
Chapter 5: Motivation
Fact: Everyone is motivated by something.
Fact: Not everyone is motivated by the same things.
As a leader, you must get to know your personnel in order to understand how to properly and successfully motivate them to work hard and remain with the organization. Some people are motivated by rewards, while others are motivated by praise or kind words. Some people need a challenge, while others need solid direction and goals.
Assignments
- Complete the reading assignment.
- Complete your discussion board post
After reading the assigned readings, answer the following question(s) on your discussion board post.
- Question 1: Think back to a family member, teacher, boss, or coach who believed in your ability and potential. To what degree did a possible Pygmalion effect impact your behavior and performance?
- Question 2: The textbook talks about the three components of motivation–direction, intensity and persistence. Which do you believe you are best at? Why?
The post should a) answer the question posed by the instructor and b) critically analyze, to the best of your ability, the implications of the subject matter at hand. I expect that these posts will be at least 2 paragraphs in length and be written in a relatively formal academic style taking grammar and spelling into consideration. Please ensure that you provide the page from the text where you drew your answers.
For example: Customers expect organizations to be responsive to their needs (p. 9).
Please read and write a Substantive Reply to at least two (2) other student posts.
A substantive reply examines the post at hand in a polite, yet critical manner. I expect that students will engage with the post and offer critical thinking and use thoughtful questions about the topic at hand to advance thinking. These should be at least a paragraph in length; quick comments like “I really liked your post-you did a good job!†are not advised.