Organisational Behaviour Project

This project analyzes the organizational behavior of Sports Direct International Plc., a British retailer group, focusing on the influence of culture, politics, and power on employee behavior and performance. It explores various motivational theories and their effectiveness in achieving company objectives, examines the differences between effective and ineffective teams, and provides insights into building effective teams. The project also applies concepts and philosophies of organizational behavior to understand the nature of people and organizations.

Organisational
Behaviour

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3
LO 1..............................................................................................................................................................3
P1. Influence of organisational culture, politics and power on the behaviour and performance of
individual and team.................................................................................................................................3
LO2 ..............................................................................................................................................................6
P.2 Different motivational theories and their effectiveness in accomplishing of objectives of firm .......6
(Source:- Motivation Theory , 2018)............................................................................10
LO 3............................................................................................................................................................10
P.3 Difference between effective and ineffective team which helps in making effective team............10
There are lot of differences between effective and ineffective team. They are-...................................10
LO 4............................................................................................................................................................13
P4. Application of concepts and philosophies of organizational behavior.............................................13
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Organization have many staff members who can perform different functions and
activities to achieve goals and objectives. Management can give proper and correct
directions to all employees so that they can perform in better manner. For getting
successful in the market, company’s managers have to keep an eye on behavior of all
the employees ( Ali, 2010). This is important for maintaining good communication and a
level of coordination among the workers and their teams. Sports Direct International
Plc., a British retailer group was founded by Mike Ashley in 1982. The organization is
considered as one of the largest goods retailer of sports in the whole UK with over 670
stores in the whole world. In this report , organizational culture, office politics, power and
its effect on the functioning of the staff as individuals as well as in teams, motivation to
the employees to achieve their targets and making of effective teams are explained.
LO 1
P1. Influence of organisational culture, politics and power on the behaviour and
performance of individual and team
Culture
Sports Direct International Plc. Is a worldwide service providing retail
organization. The company only deals in sports products and it is regarded as the
biggest retailer of UK. It has 670 stores all over in the world. For the company to be
successful, it becomes the duty of manager to adopt a certain culture which is
necessary for making better teams and to ensure removal of politics in office (What is
organizational behaviour, 2017).
Organizational culture involves values and practices which should be followed by
the employees while doing their work. It becomes essential for developing the social
and psychological environment. Norms, vision, systems, assumptions, vision, language,
location, environment, belief and habits are some factors included in this culture. The
company comprises of the following four types of culture:

 Power culture: It involves distribution of power between the workers in the firm.
This has a huge effect on the relation between workers and departments of the
organization. This ensures that employees perform their tasks on the basis of the
power given to them. Effective channelization of the power is necessary for the
performance of the workers as individuals as well as in teams that lead the
company towards growth.
 Role culture: Each of the workers in the company has different role to play
according to their strengths. Manager of Sports Direct International Plc. has the
job to assign roles to all the employees. This removes confusion of any sort
among the employees. This increases the productivity of the firm and reduces
the repetition of functions (Al-Zu’bi, 2010)
 Task culture: The manager of the organization has his main focus on the
development of teams which help in finding solutions to complex tasks and
targets. Benefit of this culture to the firm is timely identification of the problems
and their solutions to improve the functioning of the employees and their teams
(Ayyagari, Grover and Purvis, 2011).
 Person culture: Manager of the company also has the task to help each and
every employee and support them to develop their skills and become more
professional at their jobs. This keeps the workers motivated so that they can
perform their best and have better coordination with the management.
Politics
Organizational politics involves informal effort to sell their own ideas, influence
the firm, increase power and achievement of other goals. This is done by the workers of
the company to better their image in front of the top management. This proves to be a
demotivating factor for the workers at Sports Direct International Plc. This prevents the
hard working employees of the company from getting the appraisal they deserve. The
effect of politics in office on individual and teams is as follows:

 Reduction in productivity: Because of office politics, non deserving workers
attain higher positions. This will have a great effect on the performance of the
workers which will decrease the overall productivity of the company.
 Effect on concentration: Politics in office changes the behavior of employees
and they become more involved in using false tactics to reach higher position in
the company. As a result workers become less concentrated on their work and
make mistakes. This leads to the whole team being affected negatively and
hinders their ability to complete their tasks in the given time.
 Increases stress: Politics in office causes stress to be increased upon the hard
working employees as they are not getting the appraisal they deserve for their
contribution. This creates a feeling of distrust among the members of a group
and the communication process. As a result lots of problems remain unattended
in the company and thus the overall performance of the team is affected.
Power
Power is all about having the authority (Baum, Frese and Baron, 2014). The
person possessing power in the company can affect other employees and their behavior
with the control over resources. Power should be rightly used so that employees get the
right guidance and perform their best. The types of power possessed by Sports Direct
International Plc. are as follows:
 Legitimate power: It is the power possessed by the employee because of the
higher position in organization. The power to control the subordinates is more
with higher position of the individuals. This improves the functioning of the
employees to get higher positions in the company.
 Coercive power: This kind of power gives the authority to an individual to
punish other workers upon non achievement of targets. This kind of power has a
negative effect on the workers. As a result the overall productivity of the firm also
decreases. ( Coccia and Rolfo, 2013).

LO2
P.2 Different motivational theories and their effectiveness in accomplishing of
objectives of firm
Motivation is a process in which internal and external factors can influence
person to act in certain manner and to achieve a particular goals. It results from a
need,rewards, expectations etc. Through this they an be motivated and work harder to
accomplish a particular goals. Various motivational theories which are applied by Sports
Direct International Plc. This includes process and content theory. Content theory
means the factors which are three in all individuals and which can affect behavior of all
persons. It includes identification of various needs through which increase zeal and
motivation of all staff members and improves performance of staff members. To achieve
this needs management manager uses various motivational theories which are given
by Abraham Maslow and Hertzberg 2 factor theory 2 theories which are important to
enhance performance of all staff member (Three Main Theories of Motivation, 2017).
Maslow’s Hierarchy theory: Main emphasis of this theory is to determine
different needs of all persons and safety of all needs. Needs are diversified and
classified into 5 categories. They are from higher to lower. After satisfaction of lower
needs, all staff members are satisfied with satisfaction of their higher needs. Maslow’s
different needs are explained below:
 Physiological needs: It includes needs which are basic of staff members such
as water, food, air, clothing and shelter. These are basic things that are expected
by each staff members. All workers are huge enthusiastic and motivated of these
needs are fulfilled.
 Safety needs: It includes various measures and steps in firm for retention and
safety of all staff members. They have to secured against various risks. For
example job safety, health protection and financial security.

(Source:- McLeod, 2017)
 Social needs: It includes various needs such as care, affection ,friendliness and
friendship. They will be taken as high and much importance in firm. Through this
there is development if all employees. Hence it leads to getting and success of all
staff members.
 Esteem needs: There are two types of needs external and internal. Internal
esteem needs include self respect, freedom and self respect. External needs
include different needs such as recognition etc.
 Self actualization needs: It includes need for self satisfaction and growth. Al
staff members have high potential so that they can improve their knowledge so
that they performance can be improved and they can accumpo0kihs their goals.
Illustration 1: Maslow hierarchy theory needs

Hertzberg 2 factor theory: It includes 2 factors which are hygiene and
motivation. Through this it can enhance the motivation level of all employees (DeChurch
and Mesmer-Magnus, 2010).
(Source:-Employee Motivation - Herzberg's Theory, 2018 )
Hygiene factors: It includes different factors through which all staff members
can be motivated. Due to absence of these factors it can create dissatisfaction among
all employees. Hence these factors are known as maintenance factors. Hygienic
factors are physiological needs through which al staff members wants that they can be
fulfilled. These factors can be explained below:
Pay: Salary which is according to work.
Fringe benefits: Various benefits which are given to all employees such as health care,
help programs etc.
Status: Maintaining high reputation and image in organization (DeChurch and Mesmer-
Magnus, 2010).
Illustration 2: Employee Motivation - Herzberg's Theory

Process theory: It includes different theories which helps to explain different
ways through which firm can change itself. It helps in contribution of existing skills in
staff members. Through this all staff members can easily accomplish their goals and
they can perform better. They also gives goods results. Various factors are explained
below: Theory of expectancy: It means willingness of staff members while they are
performing various functions of firm. If they are willing they can perform better and can
give superior results. Through thus firm can earn more revenues.
Setting goals: All staff members main objective is to accomplish their goals. So
they are have clear understanding and knowledge that they have to accomplish their
goals.
Theories of equity: It has main focus on performance of all staff members. For
this they treat all staff members equally and gives the equal pay so that they can
perform better. Through this there enthusiasm level increases and thus they can give
best results.
Theories of reinforcement: It includes behavior of staff members if they are
working in their profession. Through this all errors easily identified and hence it can
improve performance of company. Hence firm can earn more revenues and thus they
can increase their reputation in market.

(Source:- Motivation Theory , 2018)
LO 3
P.3 Difference between effective and ineffective team which helps in making effective
team
There are lot of differences between effective and ineffective team. They are-
Attribute Effective team Ineffective team
Working environment Working environment in
effective team is
comfortable ,informal and
relaxed.
Ineffective team have
environment of stress, stiff
and tension etc.
Discussion There is a debate and a
discussion in which all staff
members are dedicated
There are different teams in
which there is a process.
Team members are not
Illustration 3: Motivation Theory

and focused. They all have
equal day in decisions
related to firm.
focused.
Listening Encourages participation of
staff members in teams.
They take various decisions
and they have many
distractions.
Various teams and their importance:
Team members have high knowledge and potential related to their job role and
other functions and provides these functions in accomplishing of different goals of firm
(Haslam and et.al., 2014). Sports direct international Plc. is retail firm which provides
different functions in various parts of country. Different section work in a team and they
gain many benefits (Hershcovis, 2011). This includes positive and friendly working
environment, behavior which is supporting, no issues and conflicts in firm. There are
various teams which have various other functions. Thus various teams and their
importance in Sports Direct International Plc. are described below:
Functional teams: They are formed in a team in which firm has to perform and achieve a
particular task. Each staff members have various roles towards their work. Manager can
give various directions to staff members so that they can perform well.
Importance: Through an effective and efficient team tough problems and issues can be
solved. This directly improves performance of the firm. Through this cost and time of
firm by proper utilization of resources.
Problem solving team: These teams are effective and efficient and thus it helps in
solving all issues and problems. They give direct solution to all members. They can also
create plans and strategies related to future. Through this all staff members can perform
better. It results in accomplishment of all objectives. Hence problems cannot arise in
future.

Importance: Helps in determining of all problems and issues and give response so that
all staff members can give goods results.
Virtual teams: These types of teams are interconnected to each other using technology.
Members of the team do not have any sort of face to face interactions. To do their tasks
and discuss with other team members they have to use technology. These teams
perform their tasks and interact with all members using the help of video conferencing.
Importance: Virtual teams have a huge importance for the companies that are operating
on a worldwide basis. To share ideas these teams use video conferencing and perform
functions. Sports Direct International Plc. manage their functionality in different nations
using these kind of teams.
Project team: These kinds of teams are built for the completion of a specific important
project of the company effectively. According to the requirement of the projects the
members of project team are selected. This helps the organization to complete the
projects effectively (Huang and Bond, 2012).
Importance: The importance of these teams lies in completion of huge projects before
the given time limit and attains competitiveness in market. These teams are very
effective and members are skilled.
Factors which make effective teams
Management of Sports Direct International Plc. keeps in mind the following
different factors to make efficient teams:
Communication: Communication between the members is a very important aspect to be
considered while making good teams (John, 2010)
 . Communication is really important for sharing of ideas effective discussions and
relationship between the members. All the members are given certain roles in the
team through efficient communication channels. Members of the team are
distributed roles that are best for the team’s working

 Stability: In a team the members are supposed to be stable and not
interchangeable. It is important for increasing the team chemistry and as a result
improves productivity of the team. Stability of a team is crucial from the
company’s point of view.
 Team size: For making efficient teams the size of teams should be kept in mind.
Generally small and medium sized teams have better coordination and bond
among the members.
Tuckman theory is used by an organization to form an appropriate team by
considering necessary facts or figures in order to attain set objectives or goals. In fact,
various factors are considered are described as follows:-
 Forming
 Norming
 Storming
 adjoining
LO 4
P4. Application of concepts and philosophies of organizational behavior
This concept defines activities that are executed by seniors or top personnel’s to
acknowledge and get information about employees behavior towards job and
corporation. It helps management to organize tasks and process in respect to goals and
objectives. Along this superiors are able to keep workforce directed and inspired by
establishing good relations with members. This tactic is applied by administration to
execute things effectively and efficiently. Thus these are two aspects which are part of
organization behavior which are discussed below:
• Nature of people
• Nature of organization

Nature of people: This element specifies qualities and traits that staff members
have, thereby influence their working. Management prime duty is to understand
characteristics which workers have in respect to assign them duties. This helps them to
utilize manpower by giving them tasks and activities in according to their skills and
abilities. In Sports Direct International Plc. seniors have accurate information about
characteristics of members which benefit them to accomplish targets timely and prosper
with time. These are various factors which have negative impact on functionality of
organization are stated beneath:
Biases of manager: Superiors are partial and have biasness in respect to
workforce which is created due to their performance and nature of people. This effects
on work of employees as all want to have good position and recognition in firm (Joseph
and Newman, 2010).
Perception: All individuals working in enterprise vary with each other in respect to
qualities, skills and abilities. Workers have different opinions which influence on their
thinking process and activities (Kulik and Olekalns, 2012).
Nature of organization: This component includes objectives and aims which are
formed by executives to organize business operations and utilize resources to generate
adequate profit for business. This are also formulated by seniors to define nature of
enterprise to other members. These are various components which helps management
to understand and depict functioning of system properly are described below:
Social system: Firm constructs relations with consumers in respect to providing
them items and services in respect to their needs and wants. For this, management
require to conduct market research to acknowledge information about requirements of
public. Thus, these are two system which are used by them are as follows:
- Formal: Maintain good team of members which are competent and providing them
departments to function tasks for organization.
- Informal: Constructing friendly relation of superiors with staff by providing them
appropriate information in respect to their duties.

• Ethics: This tactic defines moral, norms, values and belief which administration want to
be followed by workers.
Path goal theory: This concept defines working pattern of leader and its behavior
towards employees to make them function in proficient way. Organization require to
have positive working environment which helps management to keep members
dedicated and motivated towards job by giving them information about roles and
responsibilities. This helps superiors to empower people in respect to their capabilities
and satisfy them, thereby make them effective and efficient. These are various stages
which are part of this approach are defined beneath:
Environmental characteristics and workforce abilities are determined by seniors.
Implementation of best leadership concepts and theories in respect to traits and
features of employees ( Owings, W. A. and Kaplan, L. S., 2012).
 Directive: It specifies activities performed by superiors to provide duties and targets to
members in respect to their skills and knowledge.
 Supportive: Leader construct relations with staff members which help them to provide
appropriate guidance and instruction in respect to duties that are assigned to them by
seniors (Lee, Kim, and Kim, 2013).
 Participate: Superiors require to involve members in decision making process
which help administration to take appropriate judgment and keep them connected with
firm.
 Achievement orientated: Management provide targets and challenges to staff to
enhance their abilities and make them effective.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above report that keeping an eye on the
working of employees is a major aspect for the company for the achievement of goals in

the given time. This is also important for solving various issues like cultural differences
and politics in office. Management of Sports International Plc. are given opportunities to
form efficient teams and improve the company’s productivity. For building efficient
teams some factors like good communication, stability of the team, good leadership,
etc. come into play. Motivational theories need to be implemented by the leaders of the
firm for increasing the passion and dedication of workers towards their targets.
Company has to maintain a good office environment by removing office politics. It also
has to adopt good work ethics and culture to accomplish the desired goals by.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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International Journal of Business and Management. 5(12). p.102.
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Baum, J. R., Frese, M. and Baron, R. A. eds., 2014. The psychology of entrepreneurship. Psychology Press.
Coccia, M. and Rolfo, S., 2013. Human resource management and organizational behavior of public
research institutions. International Journal of Public Administration. 36(4). pp.256-268.
DeChurch, L. A. and Mesmer-Magnus, J.R., 2010. The cognitive underpinnings of effective teamwork: a
meta-analysis.
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Haslam, S. A. and et.al., 2014. Social identity at work: Developing theory for organizational practice.
Psychology Press.
Hershcovis, M. S., 2011. “Incivility, social undermining, bullying… oh my!”: A call to reconcile constructs
within workplace aggression research. Journal of Organizational Behavior. 32(3). pp.499-519.
Huang, X. and Bond, M. H. Eds., 2012. Handbook of Chinese organizational behavior: Integrating theory,
research and practice. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Johns, G., 2010. Presenteeism in the workplace: A review and research agenda. Journal of
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Joseph, D. L. and Newman, D. A., 2010. Emotional intelligence: an integrative meta-analysis and
cascading model.
Kulik, C. T. and Olekalns, M., 2012. Negotiating the gender divide: Lessons from the negotiation and
organizational behavior literatures. Journal of Management. 38(4). pp.1387-1415.
Lee, U. H., Kim, H. K. and Kim, Y. H., 2013. Determinants of organizational citizenship behavior and its
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Owings, W. A. and Kaplan, L. S., 2012. Leadership and organizational behavior in education: Theory into
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