03/16/2026
Edgewood DBA OB Cheat Sheet – Easy English Version
1. Individual Level
A. Personality (Big Five)
Trait Meaning Example
Openness Likes new ideas, creative Tries new methods at work
Conscientiousness Careful, organized Always finishes tasks on time
Extraversion Social, outgoing Works well in a team
Agreeableness Kind, cooperative Helps coworkers
Neuroticism Stressed, emotional Worries about mistakes
B. Motivation Theories
Vroom – Expectancy Theory
Idea: Effort → Performance → Reward
Keywords: Effort, Performance, Reward
Example: Work hard → good sales → bonus
Herzberg – Two-Factor Theory
Idea: Hygiene factors prevent unhappiness; Motivators create satisfaction
Example: Salary ok, recognition motivates
Maslow – Hierarchy of Needs
Levels: Physiological → Safety → Social → Esteem → Self-actualization
Example: Employee needs safe job before thinking of promotion
McClelland – Needs Theory
Needs: Achievement, Affiliation, Power
Example: Employee wants to lead project → Power need
C. Perception & Learning
Perception: How people see and interpret events
Example: Two employees get same feedback → one improves, one feels criticized
Learning types:
Classical (learn by association)
Operant (learn by reward/punishment)
Observational (learn by watching others)
2. Team Level
A. Tuckman’s Team Stages
Forming: Meet, polite
Storming: Conflicts appear
Norming: Team agrees on rules
Performing: Team works well
Adjourning: Team finishes task
B. Team Norms & Conflict
Norms: Expected behavior in team
Positive → helps teamwork
Negative → causes conflict
Conflict Types:
Task → about work ideas (good if managed)
Relationship → personal issues (bad for team)
Conflict Styles: Avoiding, Competing, Collaborating, Accommodating
C. Leadership
Style Meaning Example
Transformational Inspires & motivates Leader praises work, encourages new ideas
Transactional Rewards & punishes Leader gives bonus for results, penalty for mistakes
Laissez-Faire Hands-off Team decides everything alone
3. Organizational Level
A. Organizational Culture
Shared values and norms in company
Example: Culture of teamwork → employees help each other
Impact: Influences motivation, behavior, performance
B. Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB)
Voluntary helpful behavior beyond job
Example: Helping coworker without being asked
C. Equity Theory
People compare effort & reward to others
Example: High performer sees colleague promoted unfairly → feels demotivated
D. Motivation + Performance Link (Vroom)
Motivation = Expectancy × Instrumentality × Valence
Easy Example: Work hard → get bonus → bonus is valuable → motivated
4. Exam Writing Tips – Easy English
Always start with theory:
“According to Herzberg…”, “Vroom’s theory says…”
Give short example:
“For example, a sales worker works hard to get bonus.”
Link theory → example → impact:
“This improves motivation and performance.”
Use simple phrases:
“This means…”, “This helps…”, “This causes…”
5. Quick Example Answers
Q: Explain Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory.
A: “Herzberg says there are two types of factors. Hygiene factors, like salary and work conditions, prevent unhappiness. Motivators, like recognition and achievement, create satisfaction. For example, giving praise motivates employees to work harder.”
Q: What is team norm?
A: “Team norm is a rule about how team members behave. For example, if the team helps each other, work is faster and better.”
Q: How does Equity Theory affect motivation?
A: “Equity Theory says people compare their work and reward with others. If they feel treated unfairly, motivation goes down. For example, a top worker sees a colleague get promoted → feels demotivated.”
Walid, if you study this cheat sheet daily, write 1–2 example answers in English, and use keywords, you will:
Remember concepts in English
Write directly in English in the exam
Link theory + example + impact naturally
