MGNT 803: Organizational Behaviour & Management

(Class Activity -1)

What a termination can teach!

This exercise contributes to:
Learning Objective: Three levels of analysis in this book’s OB model
Learning Outcomes: Factors that influence the formation of individual attitudes and values;

I got fired! When prospective employers find out, they’ll never hire me. Is there anything I
can say to turn this around? – Matt

Dear Matt: Under this dark cloud, there are some silver linings: 1) firing, or involuntary
termination, happens to just about everyone at least once in a career; and 2) there is a
worldwide job shortage of skilled workers. You might be amazed to know that historically,
individuals have changed jobs an average of 11 times over their early careers (from age 18-
44). In fact, you can probably expect to stay in a job for less than three years, which means
you’ll have a lot of jobs in your lifetime.

Therefore, you shouldn’t feel hopeless; you are likely to find your next job soon.
ManpowerGroup’s recent survey of over 37,000 employers in 42 countries found that 36
percent of organizations have talent shortages, the highest percentage in 7 years.

Still we know you are worried about how to present the facts of your involuntary termination
to prospective employers. If you give a truthful, brief account of the reason for your
termination, you can position yourself well. Here are some additional suggestions:

 Remember your soft skills count; in fact they top the lists of employer requirements
for all industries.
 Although your soft skills count, don’t forget your technical skills; employers agree
they are equally important.
 Emphasize your ongoing training and education, especially as they relate to new
technology; top performers are known to be continuous learners. Also, if you’ve kept
up with recent trends in social media, show it.

Best wishes for your success!

Questions:

1. How and why individuals consider work as a source of personal identity and how the
effect of potential unemployment may affect an individual’s identity. Provide at least
three outcomes. Are there any exceptions?
2. List soft skills that matter in todays’ organization.
3. How social media knowledge competency can help you gain employment?

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