HRM and Organizational Behavior: Merit, Motivation, and Misreads
HRM Cycle
Know the full cycle: position classification, recruitment and selection, appointment, performance evaluation, training and development, discipline, and separation. In the Philippine civil service, the CSC administers the merit system; appointments require qualification standards, and permanent appointments confer security of tenure. Understand the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards (RA 6713) and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019).
Organizational Behavior
Review motivation theories: Maslow's hierarchy, Herzberg's two-factor theory (hygiene vs. motivators), McGregor's Theory X and Y, Vroom's expectancy theory, and Adams' equity theory. Know leadership styles (transformational, transactional, servant, situational) and group dynamics (norms, cohesion, conflict, team development stages).
Traps
Questions often confuse hygiene factors (pay, conditions) with motivators (achievement, recognition). They also mislabel Theory X (control-oriented) as Theory Y (participative). Watch for appointment vs. election confusion and for options treating casual appointments as conferring tenure.
Rule of Thumb
Ask: Is the factor about the job context (hygiene) or the job content (motivator)? Context prevents dissatisfaction; content drives motivation.
Worked example: A raise reduces complaints but does not raise engagement; that is a hygiene factor at work, consistent with Herzberg.