All the chapters so far have dealt with OB at the individual level of analysis. The next chapters (8 to 12) will deal with topics at the team or group level of analysis. That means, a topic may be introduced one way, but eventually the discussion will move to its application, or appropriateness at a group or team level. Be prepared for that –it’s coming.

On another note, you should also be prepared to answer scenario-type essay questions that require you to analyse a particular situation and provide solutions. Of course, you will have to remember details about the six steps in the decision-making process, the contingencies and consequences of employee involvement, and creativity. Just remember that this chapter is ideally suited for scenario or case-based questions about the application of various concepts. Perhaps, you have already been practicing and answering such questions in class or on exams. If not, I have a few suggestions you might consider. You can make up your own questions or situations. It’s actually a lot easier to do than you might think. Here’s a basic question, with my commentaries in red inside the square brackets:

The president of ____ has read all about the benefits of increased employee involvement [This tells you that you needn’t remind him, or list those benefits for him.] and is convinced it would increase the effectiveness of the company. He/she has asked you to implement a plan to ensure employee involvement is carried out at all levels and for all decisions that are made at the company. [Stop right here. What have you learned about sweeping statements and absolutes in OB?] How would you proceed? [This is the hook. Most students will go off and write about a plan. That would be the wrong thing to do. Read the “How to proceed” section below.]

You want the answer and find out how to proceed? This scenario based question is about employee involvement, but it is not about the plan. Your opinions about the president or the merits of employee involvement in general are irrelevant (sorry). There is a tendency for students to go off and write about what they know, and inject their opinions. Resist that temptation. Always ask, “What is the question really asking.” In this case, it’s asking how you would proceed, not how you would necessarily make the president happy. You have to concede that a question about employee involvement is a device used to find out what you know about the subject matter. With that in mind, you need to write something that demonstrates that knowledge. Clearly, you are not being asked to list or discuss the benefits of employee involvement. Therefore, you need to concentrate on the contingencies of employee involvement. In other words, you need to refer to the material in the text regarding when it is appropriate to have employees involved in the decision-making process. Certainly, it isn’t always appropriate under all circumstances as the president believes. You need to communicate this to him/her in your answer using the contingencies to back up your position. Was that tricky? Perhaps, but you should be prepared nonetheless.