Introduction Of the seventeen insightful readings of foundational theories, case studies, and research into “understanding people,” I found that twelve were profoundly compelling to my understanding of human behavior in organizations. These twelve, in my judgement, form the rather extensive overarching theme of “the power of the mind and the personality.” In my paper, I aim to provide an analysis of how organizations are essentially directed by minds and personalities by synthesizing the concepts provided by the readings into four topics: people and organizations, values of an organization, attributes of positive leadership, and skilled decision-making. As I hope to make clear in the following analysis, these topics constantly inform and affect one another, creating dynamic organizations in both the public, private, nonprofit spheres. People and Organizations As alluded to in Identity Work, the underlying link between people and their organizations is a sense of identity (Beech, Macintosh, & Mcinnes, 2008). A sense of identity guides individuals in how they feel that they are a part of an organization. The identity of people in organizations is a vital aspect for any leader to focus on, as identity is greatly associated with job outcomes. As found in a study of German banks, the strength of identification with a group and the self-esteem derived from membership in that group results in consequent higher job satisfaction and lower turnover ((Beech, Macintosh, & Mcinnes,
Identity is a group of characteristics, data or information that belongs exactly to one person or a group of people and that make it possible to establish differences between them. The consciousness that people have about themselves is part of their identity as well as what makes them unique. According to psychologists, identity is a consistent definition of one’s self as a unique individual, in terms of role, attitudes, beliefs and aspirations. Identity tries to define who people are, what they are, where they go or what they want to be or to do. Identity could depend on self-knowledge, self-esteem, or the ability of individuals to achieve their goals. Through self-analysis people can define who they are and who the people around them
The Social Identity theory (SIT) was proposed by Henry Tajfel. It was then later developed by Tajfel and Turner in 1971 to help them understand inter group relations. The Social Identity theory assumes that individuals strive to improve their self-image by trying to enhance their self-esteem, through social (in and out groups) and personal identities. There are 4 main concepts within the social identity theory all of which will be discussed in the essay.
3. Given that Mike and Marty Scanlon are twins and share some of their genetic makeup, how
Identity is the set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable as a member of a group. Each people have their own personality, being different and unique from other people. Even though it’s different, each people have some similarity with others that connected them together as a community or a group. However, these groups is not open for all people, some people have to sacrifice their aspects of identity in order to belong to the group that they want to join.
Work creates an identity for a person also. Whether its promotions to a higher position or being unsatisfied and distraught with their job. People who enjoy their job and work environment will create more of a confident identity compared to someone who does not will have an un-motivated identity. School has an impact as well when it comes to identity. It is where a children, adolescents, and adults are influenced by acquiring knowledge and constantly being surrounded by peers. Through school, memberships in friendship groups, cliques, or "crews" helps build an identity apart from their relationship to parents. However, over-identification with a clannish group that rejects anyone who looks or acts different can limit personal growth.
For centuries leaders have been analyzed in order to determine what the traits and characteristics of a successful leader are. Leadership, as defined by Koontz and Weihrich (2008) is “the art or a process of influencing people so that they will strive willingly and enthusiastically toward the achievement of group goals” (p. 311). Leadership plays an important role in employee’s participation, creativity, recruitment to an organization, their commitment to the organization, and productivity levels. Over the years, there have been a number of theories surrounding leadership such as the “Great Man” theory, which, according to Riaz and Haider (2010), “assumes that leaders are born and have innate qualities, therefore, leaders
Schrodt, P. (2002). The relationship between organizational identification and organizational culture: Employee perceptions of culture and identification in a retail sales organization. Communication Studies, 53, 189-202.
Kärreman, Dan. & Alvesson, M. 2004. Cages in Tandem: Management Control, Social Identity, and Identification In a Knowledge-Intensive Firm. Sweden : SAGE, 2004, pp. 150-152.
Avoidant attachment of a male present in a romantic relationship (Male super ego and madonna-whore complex)
Identity is a ambiguous word. It can be defined as a person’s name, age, status and personality. After reading the “Work, identity and health” by Tom Fryers and “In U.S., 55% of Workers Get Sense of Identity From Their Job” by Rebecca Riffkin, I have a deeper understanding of the word ‘Identity’. Identity can also refer to work. It is the common phenomenon that people connect their jobs with the identity in today’s society. Both of the two articles mentioned above talked about identity can be found in work and how people are identified by the work they do, while there existed some differences, such as their different opinions toward women’s identity, the theme, format they had and what their audience are.
Allport defines personality as ‘the dynamic organisation within the individual of those psychological systems that determine his unique adjustment to his environment’ (Allport, 1937). An individual’s unique personality traits and attributes are a powerful indicator of how he/she will interact with the work environment. The difference between average and outstanding employees can often be solely personality related. As the employee is the most valuable asset to the company, ‘selecting the right employee during the process is critical’ (Carbery and Cross, 2013, pp. 41-53)
Now moving on to social identity, it is important because it is an ingredient for social discrimination. In order for people to discriminate they have to belong to a group. Social identity theory suggests that people "remain loyal when they feel that their organizations have same values and appreciate them" (Tyler, 1999, p. 235). However, social identity theory maintains that when people feel that their organization values and appreciates them, it is a sign of organizational respect for them or of their high status within the organization (Tyler). High status is likely to increase people's organizational commitment because it enhances their social identity (Tyler). Therefore, social identity is reflected in people's self-esteem (Chattopadhyay, 1999).
There are various kinds of identity (individualized or shared) that people are expected to possess. (Hollinger, 2004) namely; personal identity which is known as a
Leigh Anne Touhy is the fictional representation of the real life Leigh Anne, famed adoptive mother of Michael Oher from the 2009 film The Blind Side. Leigh Anne is a white interior designer, living in the south with her husband and two children. The family is considered to be part of the upper class, and made their money from owning a string of fast food chains. Leigh Anne and her family take in a black homeless boy, Michael, and throughout the film experience a growing love and bond. They eventually adopt Michael and the Leigh Anne becomes a fiercely protective mother. Very little is revealed about her upbringing
William Blake, a poet that strongly believed in the power of mind, once wrote, "if we see with imagination, we see all things in the infinite." The Romantic poets use their imagination when gazing at nature, and therefore see and feel the infinite through their poetry. William Wordsworth expresses the serene beauty that nature possesses and its calming effects on the mind. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of the poetic geniuses of the age, uses nature and his imagination to create surreal atmospheres. Another Romantic poet, by the name of Percy Bysshe Shelley, shows great longing for the freedom that nature possesses and the freeing effect it has on him. These poets of the Romantic period look at nature from a higher consciousness