Written Assignment Unit 2
Organizational Theory and
Behavior Term 4 2022
BUS 5113
University of the People
April 2022
Everyone interprets their experiences, processes stimuli, and groups information
differently (Altman et al., 1985). Perceptual differences can be a source of conflict, and this
article discusses three factors that contribute to perceived differences, namely: stereotypes,
projections, and halo effects
Stereotyping
In Sawyer and Clair (2020), stereotyping is the process of categorizing people
based on limited information. Negative stereotypes within organizations such as healthcare
organizations are an ongoing problem. In many places, conscious and unconscious
negative stereotypes of minorities can lead to reduced access to health care, reduced
provision of necessary medical interventions, and negative outcomes (Leonard, 2018). As
private healthcare providers, stereotyped bias emerges in our environment when patients
are biased based on their economic and social status.
To elaborate the detail, most countries offer free public healthcare; however, it is
overcrowded with long waiting lists. Make assumptions about personal affordability based on
appearance and employment status. Consequently, more costly intervention and investigation
options are generally not offered to less able clients. Some patients have been referred to civil
servants due to the above difficulties and refused treatment. I have been surprised many times
when these low-income patients demanded and paid for more expensive options. This
stereotype bias has now been corrected in my practice and all patients are now given the best
option first, regardless of perceived social status or cost.
Projection
Projection errors occur when a person unconsciously assumes that another person
has the same perceptions and worldview as one’s own (Catenacci, 2020). Predictions of
positive or negative personality traits can occur, but negative predictions are the most
commonly discussed. In previous personal relationships, projection errors were the source
of my argument. A former partner was very insecure about my interactions with male
colleagues, especially colleagues. What brought our relationship to an end was the
discovery that he was having an affair with a colleague. His discomfort with my
interactions was based on his projection of his own negative behavior.
In the research from Catenacci (2020), the author stated that projection error is a
pervasive, hard-to-control egocentric bias that occurs even in business settings. This
projection of personality traits often leads to non-compliance when making unilateral
decisions for office workers. Hence, it is suspected that the employee's dissatisfaction with
the instructions given is immediately told and not fulfilled. Only when the task is not
completed and the investigation is carried out, the specific enemy will be broadcast. It is
important to clearly state the company policy to make consultative organizational decisions
that give everyone the opportunity to express their views before the final decision is
implemented.
Halo Effect (Halo Error)
The halo effect refers to the overall assessment of an individual or organization
using known specific characteristics (Altman et al., 1985). Halo errors are important in
organizations because they affect employers' assessments of employee performance and
customers' first impressions of the organization. According to the study by Lucker et al.
(1981), this work shows that the halo effect suggests that increased familiarity between
individuals does not reduce its impact on performance evaluation. It may seem difficult to
change an initial perception of an employee or an organization.
In addition, Madden, Roth, and Dillon (2012) analyzed consumers' perceptions of
product quality in different countries, showing that the halo effect plays an important role in
product perception and brand recommendation. In my organization, we take full advantage
of the halo effect. The company should ensure that the frontline staff are properly trained in
customer service and that the aesthetics of the office are maintained to a high standard at all
times. Client's first impression of a company is lasting, no matter how competent the person
providing the service. Customers are more likely to forgive and remain loyal based on their
first impressions, even when mistakes are made.
References
Altman, S., Valenzi, E., & Hodgetts, R. M. (1985). Organizational Behavior. Amsterdam
University Press.
Catenacci, C. (2020, October 6). Workplace organizational behaviour part II: Perception.
First Reference Talks. [Link]
behaviour-part-ii-perception/#.YlvMbuhBw2w
Leonard, K. (2018, November 5). How Does Stereotyping Affect the Workplace
Environment? Small Business - [Link].
[Link]
[Link]
Lucker, G. W., Beane, W. E., & Helmreich, R. L. (1981). The Strength of the Halo Effect in
Physical Attractiveness Research. The Journal of Psychology, 107(1), 69–75.
[Link]
Madden, T., Roth, M., & Dillon, W. (2012). Global product quality and corporate social
responsibility perceptions: A cross-national study of halo effects. Journal
of International Marketing,20(1), 42-57.
Sawyer, K., & Clair, J. A. (2020). Stereotypes at Work. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of
Business and Management, 132–134.
[Link]