Neubert & Dyck / Organizational Behavior Instructor’s Manual
Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 8-1
CHAPTER 8
Understanding Relationships
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
This chapter contains several inset features designed to assist the student reader in applying the
concepts to relevant examples. The Opening Case provides a look at an in-depth real world case
from the world of Bernie Madoff, the self-made Wall street financial mogul who made off with
millions of dollars. The case demonstrates organizational behavior concepts in the chapter. My
OB features an organizational behavior scenario that illustrates key chapter concepts in a movie,
novel, visionary or inspirational way. OB in Action refers students to self assessment activities
relevant to concepts in the chapter. The Closing Case profiles examples of organizational
behavior issues and illustrates current events or trends relevant to chapter concepts. The
supplemental material at the end of the chapter begins with Multiple Choice Questions, followed
by Short Questions, both designed to reinforce chapter concepts and perspective. This is
followed by Questions for Reflection and Discussion, which asks critical thinking questions that
may be used for in class discussion, semester related projects, loner exam questions or online for
distance learning.
Chapter eight continues the discussion on organizational behavior and looks specifically at
political behavior from a conventional perspective and a sustainable perspective. From a
conventional perspective, relationships are best explained by people seeking their own self-
interests and the financial interests of their organizations. Political behaviors are perceived to be
inevitable, are important for success in organizations, and, therefore, must be practiced. There
are many instrumental benefits for organizations and individuals in promoting truthfulness,
dependability, reliability, and consistency in relationships. Fairness in relationships focuses on
tangible factors in determining distributive, procedural, and interactional justice and distributive
bargaining serves to secure self-interest and short-term financial interests of the organization.
From a sustainable perspective, relationships can be enhanced to include stakeholders seeking to
improve their mutual (holistic) interests, and those of their organization. As such: political
behaviors are not assumed to be inevitable, are not considered necessary for success in
organizations, and therefore, can be minimized. In addition to the instrumental benefits to the
organization and individuals, there is worth in broadly promoting truthfulness, dependability,
reliability, and consistency in relationships. Fairness in relationships focuses on tangible and
intangible factors in determining distributive, procedural, and interactional justice. Integrative
negotiating serves to improve the mutual holistic interests of the negotiators and other
stakeholders.