Part A:
1. If you assume that change is necessary in order for firms to stay competitive, which is preferred planned or reactive change? Give examples of each which illustrate the benefits of each type of approach.
2. Describe a situation where you faced or exhibited resistance to change. What specific tactics and approaches from the chapter on change would have helped overcome this resistance?
3. How do selective perception and stereotypes affect decision making in organizations? Are they harmful? If so how?
4. Take The Big Five Test self-survey and watch Napoleon Hill's video on A Pleasing Personality. Now consider the Big 5 traits. Describe a person whom you think was "difficult" or "unpleasant." How would you rate them in terms of the big 5?
Part B:
1. Watch the video on Bandura's Efficacy Theory. How does self image and past performance affect how one tries new tasks in the future?
2. Read the The Cure for Horrible Bosses article by Rosabeth Moss Kanter from the Harvard Business Publishing link.
• Have you ever had bosses like that?
• How did you deal with them and what could you have done better based on what you have learned in this course?
3. Consider the situational leadership theories presented and give an example of a manager whose style was NOT appropriate for the situation. What were the impacts of this on you?