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Questions and Answers
How does low personal responsibility for decisions impact our willingness to harm others?
How does reinforcement theory relate to organizational behavior?
What can be a psychological effect on managers under high pressure to meet targets?
What characterizes 'Good Soldiers' in terms of their approach to organizational policies?
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What was the primary focus of the Milgram Experiment?
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Which of the following best describes individuals classified as 'Grenades'?
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What aspect of the Milgram Experiment emphasizes the issue of psychological distance?
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What distinguishes 'Cannons' from other types of employees in an organization?
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Study Notes
Employee Types
- Good Soldiers: Follow rules, have good morals, question orders
- Loose Cannons: May know rules but don't care, operate on their own agenda
- Grenades: Possess good morals but lack company knowledge and standards
Milgram Experiment
- A study measuring obedience to authority
- Participants were told to administer electric shocks to "learners" (actors)
- Participants continued to administer shocks regardless of learner's pain
- Highlighted the tendency to obey authority, even when it conflicts with morals
Psychological Distance
- Creates a disconnect between actions and their consequences
- Individuals are less accountable for distant or unseen harm
- Less likely to intervene in decisions made by others, blaming them for the outcome
Rewards and Discipline
- Reinforcement theory states people repeat rewarded behaviors and avoid punished ones
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Rewards can incentivize unethical behavior:
- Sales associates may engage in questionable practices to achieve sales goals
- Managers may be tempted to take unethical shortcuts to meet targets
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Discipline:
- Should be fair, consistent with similar offense, and allow employees to explain their actions
- Acts as a deterrent, reinforcing ethical expectations
Diffusing Responsibility in Groups
- Group decisions can diffuse responsibility, leading to a lack of accountability
- Managers should:
- Solicit anonymous feedback
- Appoint a "devil's advocate" to challenge decisions
- Seek external perspectives
Divided Responsibility
- Specialization in large organizations can result in employees focusing only on their tasks
- Lack of awareness of the bigger picture can lead to missed opportunities to prevent negative outcomes
People Fill Their Roles
- Roles can influence behavior, causing individuals to de-emphasize their personal morals
- Managers should consider potential conflicts between organizational and professional responsibilities
- Anticipate and address potential ethical issues arising from role-playing
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Description
Test your understanding of employee types, psychological distance, and the implications of the Milgram experiment. Explore how rewards and discipline can influence behavior in the workplace. This quiz delves into the complex dynamics of morality and authority in organizational settings.