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. https://blog.firstreference.com/workplace-organizational-

behaviour-part-ii-perception/#.YlvMbuhBw2w

Leonard, K. (2018, November 5). How Does Stereotyping Affect the Workplace

Environment? Small Business - Chron.Com.

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/stereotyping-affect-workplace-environment-

78286.html

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.

https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.1981.9915206

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.

https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190224851.013.50