Organizational Behavior

Chapter 3 Case Study Questions (88)

1. Social Identity is how an individual easily identifies their own person in a reference group, such as by gender, age or ethnicity. Placing themselves into this kind of reference group makes an individual feel better about them because they do not know how they will move in a company. Individuals that are based upon social identities rather than person identities tend to be more motivated to follow team norms and are more influenced when peer pressure is a factor. Stereotyping is a form of a different individual putting their own opinions on an individual because of gender, age or ethnicity. In this case study, Rochelle Beauport feels she is being stereotyped because of her gender and ethnicity. She feels that the company is placing her into a position here she will not be able to move up the chain. This is not what is going on. The true thing that is going on is a social identity problem. It’s a social identity problem because she identified herself as a colored woman in a top position. Beauport didn’t understand the opportunity that was put before her because she didn’t understand her bosses rise to his position. It even states in the case study “Few people were aware that Gilman’s own career had been boosted by working as marketing research coordinator by Hy several years before” (88).

2. Another perceptual error that occurred here was the false consensus effect. This effect is where people overestimate the thoughts of others by basing them on their own opinions. Gilman automatically assumed that Beauport had the same excitement that he had when he was given the opportunity. The only other perceptual error that would fit this case study would be the primacy effect. This is still based upon the idea of Beauport not saying anything at first and Gilman taking it as a positive thought.

3. Organizations can minimize these misperceptions by making sure it is clear the rules that are set forth. Many...