Case study excerpt from Bergh, Z (2017). Frameworks for thought and practice in I-O psychology. In Z.

Bergh (Ed.), Introduction to work psychology (pp.44-87). Cape Town: Oxford.
Questions
1. Explain how you would use multiple perspectives in addressing the problems the organisation is
experiencing in the case study by referring specifically to meta-psychology and post-modernism.
(4)
2. Identify the different thinking frameworks related to employee and organisational management that
play a role in this case study and provide examples from the case study to substantiate your answer.
(6)

1 answer

To answer your questions, we first must understand the context of the case study (which we don't have access to), but we can still illustrate how multiple perspectives and thinking frameworks can be applied in an organizational context, guided by meta-psychology and post-modernism.

1. Using Multiple Perspectives: Meta-Psychology and Post-Modernism

Meta-Psychology refers to the underlying assumptions and philosophical perspectives that shape how we understand psychological phenomena. It recognizes various dimensions of human experience, including cognitive, emotional, social, and cultural factors. In addressing organizational problems, one could apply meta-psychological perspectives by:

  • Understanding Employee Motivation: One could assess how motivational theories (e.g., Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's motivators) affect employees’ perceptions of their roles within the organization. This holistic view allows for the identification of discrepancies between the organization's goals and individual employee aspirations.

  • Considering Diversity and Inclusion: By evaluating the psychological dimensions of diversity, managers can consider how cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences influence employee behavior and dynamics. This could help to identify and resolve conflicts arising from misunderstandings or biases.

Post-Modernism, on the other hand, emphasizes the subjective nature of interpretation and the importance of context in understanding reality. From a post-modern perspective, one could:

  • Encourage Multiple Narratives: In investigating the organizational issues, it’s essential to gather different stories and interpretations from various employees about their experiences and challenges within the organization. This approach acknowledges that there isn’t a single 'truth' or way to address issues, but rather multiple viewpoints that need to be heard.

  • Challenge Dominant Discourses: Post-modernism encourages the questioning of established norms and practices. For example, if the organization faces issues with hierarchy or communication, applying this perspective might involve critically analyzing the power dynamics at play and how they affect employee engagement and collaboration.

2. Different Thinking Frameworks in Employee and Organizational Management

There are several thinking frameworks related to employee and organizational management. In any case study (hypothetically assuming it describes a workplace challenge), these frameworks might include:

  • Systems Thinking: This approach considers the organization as a complex system with interrelated components. For example, if the organization faces poor communication, a systems thinking perspective would analyze how departmental silos and workflows impact collaboration.

  • Behavioral Framework: This framework focuses on the observable behaviors of employees. If employees are disengaged, identifying specific behaviors (such as absenteeism or low participation in meetings) can lead to practical interventions, like training programs to boost engagement.

  • Humanistic Framework: This emphasizes individual employee needs and motivation. For instance, if the case study notes high turnover rates, analyzing employee satisfaction and providing opportunities for personal growth and recognition could be critical actions stemming from this framework.

  • Cultural Framework: Culture influences how employees behave and interact. For example, if the organization has a culture that discourages innovation, there might be a lack of employee initiative. Recognizing this can help guide changes to the organizational culture, promoting creativity and risk-taking.

  • Strategic Management Framework: This framework involves aligning management practices with organizational goals. If the case study discusses misalignment between employee performance and strategic objectives, an analysis of performance metrics could help recalibrate employee goals with company strategy.

  • Change Management Framework: This includes theories and models like Kotter's 8-Step Process that guide organizations through change. If the organization plans to implement a new initiative, applying a structured change management approach will ensure smoother transitions and buy-in from employees.

In summary, addressing organizational problems requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating various psychological perspectives and frameworks to understand and intervene effectively in complex workplace dynamics.