This case incident can be used to introduce students to some of the major issues and theories in organizational behaviour. The first question is designed to flesh out various topics in organizational behaviour. The second question is designed to apply the goals of organizational behaviour. The third question is designed to demonstrate how organizational behaviour can be used to develop interventions (to manage organizational behaviour) that can have a positive effect on employee attitudes and behaviours. Before discussing the questions, you might first pique student interest by asking some general questions such as: What do you think about the incident? What do you think about the incentive program and is it a good way to attract, motivate, engage, and retain employees? Why wasn’t the program more effective and what if anything would have made it more effective? What if any effect would such a program have on their job attitudes and behaviours?

1. What does this case have to do with organizational behaviour? What are some of the key issues that are relevant to understanding and managing organizational behaviour?

2. Use the three goals of organizational behaviour (prediction, explanation, and management) to explain what happened at Mayfield Department Stores. What is the company trying to predict and explain, and what is the company trying to manage?

3. Why do you think the program was not very effective? What might be a more effective program for attracting, motivating, engaging, and retaining employees? Use the goals of organizational behaviour to describe a more effective program.