The document discusses the human resource theory perspective in organizational behavior. It covers several topics: (1) Mary Parker Follett and the Hawthorne experiments were early influences that emphasized listening to employees and participatory management; (2) Maslow's hierarchy of needs and revisions by Alderfer and McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y shaped approaches to motivating employees; (3) "Groupthink" refers to pressure toward conformity that inhibits consideration of alternatives. The document provides details on each of these concepts and their importance to human resource theory.

1. Human Resource Theory
(Organizational Behavior Perspective)
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya

2. Human Resource Theory
(Organizational Behavior Perspective)
One theme was “listening”!
Especially in
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
Mary Parker Follett;
Hawthorne experiments;
& “GroupThink” critique.

3. “Active Listening”
 Nonverbal signs of attention
 Paraphrase/reflect back
 Ask for details
 Sometimes even take notes
 Do NOT interrupt!
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
 Do NOT rebut or dispute!
 Do NOT get defensive!
 Do NOT discount their feelings!
 Do NOT volunteer advice!

4. “Raising Delicate Issues”
 Obtain agreement to talk.
 I-feeling language, not “you”
(makes listener less defensive).
 Avoid personal attacks.
 Avoid loaded language.
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
 Acknowledge how you might
have contributed to problem.
 Try to reach agreement on a
future course of action (solution)!

5. Human Resource Theory
(Organizational Behavior Perspective)
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
Follett & Hawthorne were forerunners;
but this approach really grew in the late
1950s – and continues today.

6. Mary Parker Follett: Pioneer
● 1920s! still era of
“boss knows best”
● Powerful push for
participatory mgt.!
● Now more famous
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
than she was then.
● Strong belief in ideals of democracy and equality.

7. Mary Parker Follett:
“On the Giving of Orders”
● “Work with” not “work under”
● Collaborate in problem solving.
Work together to decide best action
as directed by the situation.
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
● Treat people with respect!

8. Hawthorne Experiments
Famous early study (1930s)
that, at first, tried to use
“scientific management” to
improve productivity at the
Hawthorne Electric Plant.
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya

9. Hawthorne Experiments
Productivity improved in both groups
regardless of lighting changes!
Puzzled the researchers!
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
Their eventual
interpretation?

10. Hawthorne Experiments
Human interactions are complex…
Not a simple cause → effect
Personal history and
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
social situation at work
created attitudes that
influenced reactions.

11. “Hawthorne Effects” in Research
“Reactivity” in research =
term for studies where the
people being studied react
a lot to being studied.
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya

12. Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
Needs
Hierarchy of
Maslow’s Famous

13. Maslow’s Famous Self-Transcendence?
Hierarchy of Live for a purpose higher than self!
Needs plus
his “Update” Cognitive needs?
“Desire” to know/understand
Aesthetic needs:
beauty, order
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya

14. Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
So a modified version…

15. Alderfer’s Revision
of the Hierarchy
into ERG Theory
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya

16. Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
Alderfer’s
ERG Theory

17. McGregor’s Theory X & Theory Y
Theory X Theory Y
Workers need Workers are willing
to be led & like to participate
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
Mgt must do Mgt should allow &
all thinking & facilitate worker
issue orders participation in
decision making

18. Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
“Aye” “Aye” “Aye”
“All those in favor
please say „aye‟!” “Aye” “Aye”

19. “GroupThink”
Please list three
situations where
“groupthink” is
most likely to
happen.
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
List three good
ways to reduce
“groupthink.”

20. Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya

21. Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya

22. Presentations
Imagine you are in an organization.
These are your co-workers.
You summarize a big report for them.
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
They won‟t read the full
report, but they need you
to give them a briefing
on the key points!

23. Presentations
Grading? (group grade unless big gap) based on:
● Content (clear summary of key points of book;
well condensed and well edited to main highlights)
● Effective PowerPoint (or other)
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
● Good “executive summary”
● Strong personal communication style:
-- cheerful/smiling, -- eye contact,
-- balanced energy, -- slow, strong voice!

24. Presentations
Confidence, poise,
smile, & strong voice.
Practice projecting your voice!
Get teammate at back of the room
Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
with aircon running to listen to you.
Chest voice vs. head voice. (M. Jackson)
Trying to make head voice louder
hurts and sounds squeaky.

25. Bill Adams, FEA, University of Malaya
http://280slides.com