Assignment:
MGT 301 Organizational Behavior
Since the beginning of the semester you have been learning about concepts, theories, and issues associated with organizational behavior and their contribution to effective management. With these topics in mind, the OB Interview Project's main goal is to help you understand how OB-related issues play out in the workplace and how they relate to larger contexts (e.g., group, firm environment). At the same time, the project intends to help you learn "asking good questions." As such, this exercise will not only help you with future job searches by sharpening your interview skills, but also by putting you on "the other side of the table."
The OB Interview Project is a team-based project that should be completed in teams of three. Team membership will be assigned in class. The project asks you to interview three individuals in three different types of
a) job positions,
b) companies or
c) economic sectors. In other words, your team has three options:
a) Regarding the different job position levels, for example, you may interview a non-managerial employee (who has no personnel responsibilities), a first-line manager/supervisor (who supervises non-managerial employees) and a middle or top manager (who supervises lowerlevel managers). This option works best if you can interview people who are employed by the same organization.
b) Alternatively, you may elect to interview three individuals who hold the same or a comparable job position (e.g., VP of Sales) in three different companies. Note that all individuals must have managerial responsibilities (i.e., supervise others).
c) As a third choice, you may interview three individuals who hold the same or a comparable job position in three different sectors of the economy. For instance, you could interview a first-line manager (e.g., supervisor) who works in the private sector for profit (please note that size of business does not matter), a first-line manager from a non-profit organization (e.g., United Way, Salvation Army, YMCA, Girl Scouts, religious leader in church/synagogue/mosque/temple, etc.), and a first-line manager from the public sector (e.g., government official).
You will ask each of these individuals the same questions as well as some questions specific to their jobs, and then analyze and discuss how and why their answers are similar or different. Your questions should relate to the concepts discussed in the course. Below find sample questions that you may use-however, I expect you to develop a fair number of your own questions (of course, you may exclusively use your questions). Having a personal stake in the project - even if you just ask a question to satisfy your curiosity - is key to turning this project into a fulfilling assignment.
Organizations and Person you may not use because they have been overused in the past: Any Flyer Enterprise-affiliated organization (e.g., The Blend, Rudy's Fly-by) Professors Irene Dickey, Tracy Miller, Julie Woeste, Tony Kristofik, or Riley Dugan I also strongly prefer for you to not use another student. Believe me, you will learn more from this assignment if you sample non-student organizations!
1. Be aware that periodic updates will be due on your project (see schedule above). So, when choosing someone to interview, make sure that you have sufficient time to complete updates and the interview itself. START EARLY. Anticipate problems - don't wait until the last minute to undertake each phase of the project.
2. You are going out into the public, so present a professional image - remember, in public, it is you who represents the UD student body! Behave and dress as if you were interviewing for a job with the individuals you will be meeting. Attached below is a sample script that will provide you with an idea for how to approach these people initially. Being professional, courteous, and friendly will be particularly important if you do not know the interviewee because you want to make a good first impression. Remember, you need their help on this project!
3. Initially, only one member of your team should contact a particular individual. You should not all team together and ‘descend upon' someone. Without an understanding of what you are seeking and doing, a team approach can be overwhelming and not very effective. Once initial contact is made and a person agrees to participate, you may have the opportunity, as a team, to talk with this individual. But, in many cases, only one or two of you may ever really be in contact with this person at any one time. So keep this in mind and share the burden. There will be at least three (two) to a team, so spread the workload among you.
4. Be patient, present a professional appearance and behave professionally. You will be dealing with busy individuals. Your and their time is valuable, so do not waste it. If you set up an appointment, do not be late. Keep any promises you make. Do not make promises you cannot keep. Do not try to be overambitious. Keep to the time limits that have been agreed to prior to the interview. BE PREPARED.
5. Prior to your interview, be sure to have a list of questions ready. Your initial set of questions should have been reviewed by me prior to your interviews. A sample of questions is attached to assist you. Be ready to ask supplemental questions in order to obtain additional information. For example, if someone does not give you a direct answer, try to have some additional questions that will get them to specifically answer your questions. Try to keep the interview on track. You probably will have limited time with each person, so use the allotted time well.