HRM 511: Organizational Behavior

1.Task:

— You may do the task individually or in groups in which each group consists of 4 to 5 students

a. If you choose to work individually, you will gain the grade out of 20%

b. If you choose to work in groups:

· Distribute the work among the group members in which each individual is assigned a part, and grades will be distributed as following:

Article summary = 15%

Individual work = 5%

2. Overview:

— The evaluation of an article promotes a demonstration of using psychological journals and the evaluation of analysis of basic research skills.

— When writing a critical review of an article, you will need to summarize, evaluate, and offer critical comment on the ideas and information that the author(s) presents in the article.

— Research and scientific articles are highly structured to make information easy to find. The research article usually has the following sections: Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References, and Tables / Figures.

— Your goal: To read and understand the article, analyze the findings or arguments, and evaluate and comment on the article.

My evaluation will be on your:

Adequate description of the topic.

The thoughtfulness of your analysis (your ability to apply the content, concepts, knowledge learned in this course.

The expository clarity and coherence of your essay. (How clearly do you explain the topic

And the organization of pattern… the flow of paper… the use of headings and sub-headings.

3. Guidelines:

Introduction

— Give the title of the article and name of the author(s) and provide a full citation of the article.

— Identify the purpose of the article.

— Tell what the research question is/ or the topic investigated and explain why it is interesting and important.

— It is important that the introductory paragraph include a problem statement which identifies the main points you will be discussing in the body (analysis) of the review.

Analysis (Body):

— Describe, if any, where the research was conducted, the methods used, and the design of the study.

— List how many subjects were involved, the variables, and what was measured.

— Describe the results / what was found.

— Write an analytical summary of the main findings, arguments, or conclusions of the study.

— Discuss the strengths and usefulness of the article / study.

— Discuss the weaknesses, limitations, or problems of the article / study.

— Discuss what you learned and if you recommend the study to other students.

For this specific study consider the following:

Summarize the paper and provide your evaluation for what is discussed, then apply how is power used, and how politics is played in the business context in Saudi Arabia, and propose the proper managerial implications for Saudi managers.

The knowledge which is available in literature can help managers to cope with problems which frequently occur due to politics within organization, and different conceptual models have also been identified in order to clarify the process of politics within organizations. However, studies conducted by several research during the previous 25 years have exposed two main approaches of organizational politics. The first approach refers to the political behavior of an individual in which he/she shows by actions and tactics within organizations. Also, there are different typologies of influence tactics used by individuals within organization. The second approach is more advanced as it focuses on intentions and perceptions rather than their actions. Perceptions of organizational politics have got more concentration from past two decades especially after the theoretical model introduced by Ferris et al., in 1989.

Discuss which approach of organizational politics is suitable to be used in the Saudi context and propose your own managerial implications.