MASENO UNIVERSITY
YEAR II BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ABA CODE: ABA 201
3RD MAY, 2018 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
This paper consists of SIX questions
Answer question ONE and any other THREE questions
All questions carry equal marks
1. (a) Explain relevance of behavioral science knowledge to management of organization
(10 marks)
Ensure better understanding & analysis of human behavior
Improve quality of life
Keep employees motivated & inspired
Ensure development of HR management
Deliver effective performance of the organization
Build better relationship between management & employees
Enable managers to predict & control employee behavior
Increase job satisfaction of employees
Stimulate innovation, creativity & change
Encourage leadership in the organization
Ensure effective utilization of human resources
Ensure efficient & effective management of employees
Improve productivity of employees
Ensure ethical competence of employees
Emphasize on human capital & teamwork
Promote self-awareness & empathy
Instill social skills among employees
Ensure effective communication
Ensure good human relations
Influence positively on organizational events
Minimize disputes among employees
Increase efficiency & effectiveness of operations
Develop positive attitude
Enable performance Appraisal
(b) Using Sigmund Freud’s model, explain components of personality (10 marks)
ID:-Unconscious/Pleasure oriented & selfish
-Basis for our most primitive impulses
-Driven by Pleasure Principle
-Insatiable instincts from birth
Super-Ego:-Preconscious/Represent sense of morality & thoughts
-Strive for perfection by telling us duties & obligations to perform
-Develop through socialization
Ego:-Conscious/Controller or decision-maker of personality
-Based on Reality Principle
-Correct issues through defense mechanism
-Balance conflicting demands of ID & Super-Ego
(c) Describe modern views on organization behaviour (5 marks)
Enhance co-ordination among employees
Motivate employees
Build morale & confidence
Enhance workforce diversity
Improve productivity & performance of the organization
Ensure high professional standards
Promote economic welfare of employees
Enhance organizational commitment
Improve people skills
Improve ethical competence of employees
Stimulate innovation & change
Minimize life disputes
Improve customer service
Improve life & work balance
Empower the employees
Ensure response to economic pressures
Foster good leadership qualities
Enhance employee well-being at work
Promote quality of life
Foster good workplace relationships
Ensure equal employment opportunities & equal pay
2. (a) Describe group formation process and their implications (10 marks)
Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing
Adjourning
IMPLICATIONS
Potential for disputes
Uneven distribution of tasks
More time consuming
Lack of leadership
Pressure to compromise
Less individuality
Clashing personalities
Privacy & confidentiality breaches
Unclear purpose/objectives
Lack of support
Inadequate resources
Discrimination & gender inequality
Lack of professional expertise
Tribalism
Nepotism & Favoritism
Misuse of funds/embezzlement/corruption
Espionage
Sabotage of personal data
Lack of organization & discussion
Poor performance in the group
Difficult & takes time
Toxic contributors
Lack of commitment by group members
Poor attendance/absenteeism
Risk of over disclosure
(b) Explain relevance of expectancy theory to managers in organizations (5 marks)
Boost morale of employees
Improve motivation of employees
Keep the team focused
Build trust among employees
Improve performance & productivity of employees
Improve responsibilities & abilities of employees
Ensure empowerment of employees
Provide clarity & understanding
Encourage & support research
Recognize & reward high-performing staff
Emphasize on expectations & perceptions
Result-oriented/ensure achievement of organization goals
Basis for leadership
Recognize personalization/individual unique values & preferences
Ensure effective feedback
Enhance flexibility among the staff
3. (a) Explain stress management strategies by organizations (10 marks)
Encourage open communication
Encourage workplace wellness
Take control
Reward & reward high-performing employees
Organize stress management training
Facilitate flexible work environment
Preserve & protect the environment
Socialize with your co-workers
Embrace a culture of flexibility
Spend time with your family
Make a vacation
Create a strong work-life balance
Minimize distractions
Delegate work
Prepare a contingency plan
Prioritize your work
Get a mentor
Hold regular meetings
Anticipate potential meetings
Establish social network
Do not overcommit
Stay organized
Maintain close workplace relationships
Take frequent short breaks
Avoid multi-tasking
Improve your communication skills
Improve your analytical skills
Avoid unhealthy habits
Ensure compliance with laws & regulations
Reduce anxiety
Practice self-care
Connect with supportive people
Focus on what is actable
Set clear objectives
Change your attitude
(b) Describe strategies for solving group conflicts (5 marks)
Define the problem
Investigate the situation
Identify solutions
Encourage communication
Focus only on facts
Ensure training of employees
Hold regular meetings
Clarify reporting procedures
Be clear & concise
Listen actively to gain better understanding
Encourage compromise/reconciling
Ask the wider team for ideas
Ensure compliance with laws & regulations
Ask open-ended questions
Give & take feedback
Form connections with others
Encourage co-operation & collaboration among staff
Set clear objectives & expectations
Prioritize your work
Encourage participation of employees for solutions
Enhance dispute resolution strategies
Enhance emotional intelligence
Enhance stress management skills
Gather adequate information
Always provide documentary evidence/proof
Ensure proper documentation of your work
Avoid conflicts
Enhance expansion of resources
Encourage problem solving skills
Encourage resilience & courage
Re-structure the organization
Enhance capacity building
Change the composition of the team
Rotate the team leaders
Keep follow-ups
Encourage arbitration/local tribunals
Use a mediator if necessary
Enhance ethical competence of employees
Provide effective social support
Approach the problem with empathy
Apologize when appropriate
Ensure best alternative solution
4. (a) Discuss modern approaches to leadership which can be used in organizations (10 marks)
Innovative leadership
Authoritative leadership
Pace setters
Servant leadership
Transformational leadership
Charismatic/Inspiring leadership
Democratic leadership
Collaborative leadership
Managerial leadership
Ethical leadership
Coaching leadership
Laissez-Faire leadership
Bureaucratic leadership
Visionary leadership
(b) Discuss sources of power in organization (5 marks)
Legitimate power
Expert power
Referent power
Coercive power
Reward power
Informational power
Network power
Centrality power
Framing power
Agenda power
Formal power
Connection power
Political power
5. (a) Organizations should have a culture as source of identification. Describe symbols of
organization culture (10 marks)
Myths/mythical inventions
Beliefs
Artifacts
Rituals
Behavioural disposition
Norms & values
Innovation
Leadership
Fairness
Sharing information freely
Collaboration/teamwork
Sense of belonging
Social constructs
Employee empowerment
Communication & consistency
Holistic & inclusiveness
Staff & goals
Rules & regulations
Purpose/mission-driven
Strategies
Conformation
Co-operation & collaboration
Competitive well-being
Stability
Achievement orientation
Security of tenure
Opportunities for professional growth
Decisiveness & accountability
(b) Explain why organizations need to learn (5 marks)
Employee retention
Boost employee performance & productivity
Enhance teamwork
Improve customer service & satisfaction
Reduce operational cost
Minimize risks
Improve commitment among employees
Increase revenue/profit
Provide opportunities for professional development & growth
Enhance greater opportunities for individuals
Talent acquisition
Improve company culture
Reduce employee turnover
Enhance consistency at work
Improve motivation of employees
Boost morale of employees
Build good reputation of the organization
Enhance ethical competence of employees
Improve employee participation & engagement
Ensure compliance with laws & regulations
Ensure high professional standards
Keep up with technology advancements
Enhance innovation & training enforcement
Build a competitive advantage
Increase security of tenure
Facilitate idea generation & creativity
Nurture leadership potential
Enhance capacity building
Ensure more flexibility
Unsure better communication in the organization
Reduce wastage of equipment & resources
Ensure continuity of business
Enhance implementation of new policies & regulations
Improve HR development
Improve attendance of employees
Enhance skills, knowledge, understanding & attitude
Minimize supervision of employees
6. (a) Discuss challenges to organizational change and development (10 marks)
Lack of clarity
Absence of structure
Decreased performance levels
Being understaffed
Inability to track progress
Ineffective change communication
Strategic shortcomings
Change resistant culture & attitude
Change fatigue
Lack of governance
Lack of organizational support
Update of appropriate documents
Lack of visibility into your change process
Leadership instability
Competing demands
Magnitude & complexity of change
Technical problems
Limited knowledge & resources for change management
Lack of commitment & innovation
Limited capital/investment
Absence of clear direction
Poor team building
Poor communication & feedback
Lack of awareness
Failure to develop key competences & behavior
Lack of alignment
Poor goal setting/prioritization
Increased disputes
Lack of proper planning
Disruption of existing practices
(b) Describe characteristics of effective leaders (5 marks)
Empathy & integrity
Active listener
Give & receive feedback
Build trust
Problem solving skills
Plan resources & time
Interpersonal skills
Organization skills
Research skills
Self-motivated
High self-esteem
Effective communicator
Deliver constructive feedback
Resolute disputes
Honest & confident
Decision making capabilities
Self-disciplined
Responsible & reliable
Resilient & inquisitive
Competent & intelligent
Committed & focused
Curiosity & loyalty
Self-motivated
Achiever/result-oriented/consensus oriented
Enthusiasm & flexibility
Delegation & learning agility
Motivate & inspire people
Empower others
Recognize success
Courage & gratitude
Co-operative & collaborative
Innovative & creative
Confidence & credibility
Focused & initiative
Influence & self-awareness
Analytical/critical thinking
