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Predicted Questions with Model Answers
Q1 (5 marks — 50 words): Explain Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory. How is it applied in organisations?
Model Answer:
Maslow (1943): five hierarchical needs — (1) Physiological (food/shelter); (2) Safety (job security); (3) Social (friendship, belonging); (4) Esteem (recognition, achievement); (5) Self-Actualisation (full potential). Lower needs must be met before higher ones motivate. Organisational application: fair wages → job security → team building → recognition → challenging creative assignments.
Q2 (5 marks — 50 words): Explain McClelland's Three-Needs Theory. Which need best predicts managerial success?
Model Answer:
McClelland (1961): three acquired needs — (1) nAch — excel, moderate risk, feedback; predicts entrepreneurial success; (2) nPow — influence others; institutional power (org benefit) predicts managerial success over personal power; (3) nAff — close relationships, conflict-avoidant. High institutional nPow + moderate nAff best predicts managerial effectiveness.
Q3 (5 marks — 50 words): What is Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory? Distinguish between hygiene factors and motivators.
Model Answer:
Herzberg (1959): two factor sets. Hygiene factors (salary, working conditions, supervision): absence creates dissatisfaction; presence only prevents it — not motivators. Motivators (achievement, recognition, responsibility, growth): presence creates genuine motivation; absence causes no active dissatisfaction. Insight: salary alone cannot motivate — job enrichment (responsibility, challenge) is essential.
Q4 (5 marks — 50 words): What are the four behaviours of a leader in Path-Goal Theory? Who propounded it?
Model Answer:
Path-Goal Theory (House, 1971): leader clears obstacles on subordinates' goal-path. Four behaviors: (1) Directive — tells what/when/how; for ambiguous tasks; (2) Supportive — concern for wellbeing; for tedious/stressful work; (3) Participative — consults before deciding; for skilled autonomous teams; (4) Achievement-Oriented — challenging goals; for high-nAch people in complex tasks.
Q5 (5 marks — 50 words): What is Groupthink? Mention any four symptoms and two ways to prevent it.
Model Answer:
Groupthink (Janis, 1972): cohesive groups suppress dissent to maintain consensus — example: Bay of Pigs (1961). Four symptoms: (1) Illusion of invulnerability; (2) Collective rationalisation (dismissing warnings); (3) Mindguards (blocking contrary information); (4) Self-censorship. Two preventions: (1) Devil's Advocate — appoint systematic challenger; (2) anonymous individual evaluation before group discussion.
Q6 (5 marks — 50 words): Explain the Hawthorne Studies and state their significance for organizational behavior.
Model Answer:
Hawthorne Studies (Mayo, 1924–32): Western Electric Company, Chicago. Findings: (1) Hawthorne Effect — being observed raised productivity regardless of lighting; (2) informal group norms controlled output more than physical conditions or incentive pay; (3) management attention improved morale. Significance: launched the Human Relations School — workers are social beings, not merely economic machines.