Download Perception and Perceptual Differences in Daily Life

Module 9
Perception
and
Attribution
Learning Objectives
1. Appreciate the complex nature of the perceptual process.
2. Describe the perceptual process, and the internal and external
determinants of individual perception.
3. Appreciate the impact that perceptual problems have on organizational
life.
4. Understand your own perceptual process and barriers to accurate
perception.
5. Describe how the attribution process influences perception and
individual behavior.
6. Gain insights into the role that Pygmalion and self-fulfilling prophecy
can play in the perceptual process at work.
7. Identify the basic managerial actions that can help overcome the barriers
for accurate perception.
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Key Terms and Concepts
Age stereotype
Attribution process
Attribution theory
Defense mechanisms
Denial
Distortion
Motivation
Perception
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Perceptual process
Premature closure
Projection
Pygmalion effect
Race stereotype
Self-fulfilling prophecy
Sex-role stereotype
Stereotypes
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Module Outline
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Premodule Preparation
Introduction
Perception and Perceptual Differences in Daily Life
The Pygmalion Effect
Attribution Theory
Perceptual Challenges in Management
Reducing Perceptual Differences and Distortion
Summary
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Premodule Preparation
Activity 9-1: Exploring Perceptual Issues via Dan Dunwoodie’s
Challenge
Objective:
To have small groups identify and define the problem in a case study
so that the process can be studied through the analysis of contrasting
results presented by the groups.
Case Study: Dan Dunwoodie’s Challenge
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Introduction
Perception and attribution provide a framework and a useful tool for
understanding effectiveness at the individual, group, intergroup, and
organizational levels.
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Perception and
Perceptual Differences in Daily Life
• The Perceptual Process
• Physiological Factors
• Past Experience
- Codes of Past Experience
• Psychological Factors
- Motivation
- Defense Mechanisms
• Stereotypes
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Perception and
Perceptual Differences in Daily Life(Continued)
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Perception and
Perceptual Differences in Daily Life(Continued)
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The Pygmalion Effect
The Pygmalion effect dramatically demonstrates the influence
of perception and expectation on the potential of people to
grow, or not to grow, depending on the labels accorded them.
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Attribution Theory
Attribution theory focuses on process where individuals interpret
events.
Perceived causes of events, not actual events, influence individuals’
behavior.
Attribution process includes four phases:
(1) A particular behavioral event triggers a cognitive analysis that (2)
focuses on what causes the event, (3) followed by a modification or
reinforcement of previous assumptions of causality that (4) leads to
behavioral choices regarding future behavioral events.
In making attributions, people focus on:
Consensus
Consistency
Distinctiveness
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Perceptual Challenges in Management
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Reducing Perceptual
Differences and Distortion
Reducing the differences:
Step 1: Recognize the condition
Step 2: Help individuals gain better competencies in:
• gathering factual data in the areas of performance, behavior,
attitudes
• reviewing their decision-making assumptions and outcomes
• verifying them for validity and accuracy
Step 3: Develop organizational mechanisms that will nurture dialoguing
and appreciative inquiry
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Summary
Questions
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