What Are the Causal Variables in This Situation

Chapter 6 Case Study

1. What are the causal variables in this situation?

Casual Variables are factors that influence the course of developments within an organization and its results or accomplishments. They are independent and can be altered by the organization and management.

The Casual Variable in this situation is that the organization is implementing a new data security system.

2. What are the intervening variables in this situation?

What are the intervening variables in this situation?

Intervening Variables represent condition of the internal state of the organization. They are reflected in the commitment to objectives, motivation, and morale of members and their skills in leadership, communication, conflict resolution, decision making, and problem solving.

The Intervening Variable in this situation is the resistance from the employees who feel that the new data security system is not necessary.

3. What are the output or potential output variables in this situation?

Considering that output variables are going to be the end results, some potential output variables could be reducing security issues. Given that the "black box" system is going to be installed on every computer in the company, limiting access to sensitive company files is a major factor. However, a decline in production could be possible due to the fact that every computer is going to have the system, therefore, all employees would need to be trained on the new operating procedures. Thus, needing adaptation time, due to the fact that the new system will completely alter the way employees were conducting standard operating procedures. Depending on how fast employees learn the system, company revenue may decline from whatever production loss this adaptation makes. Lastly, some turnover is likely due to the probability of resistance to the change to the new system. Even more extreme, but still likely, some employees may leave before having to learn a new way of conducting business, especially the older generation.

4. What is "the task at hand?"

It is not easy to implement change for a business. Employees often feel threatened and scared when management is not clear about the goals the company. In the case of Listo's implementation of the black box technology, the task at hand is to utilize effective leadership techniques to communicate the organizational goals to the employees in a manner that will foster acceptance, compliance, and participation. Management By Objectives, as described in the textbook, is an effective leadership tool that includes employees in developing personal and group objectives based on the common