Organizational Behavior

Organizational Behavior

Tina Phillips

University of Phoenix

MGT/307

Week One Individual Assignment

Dan Alder

May 02, 2010

Organizational Behavior

To succeed in the organizations of today, managers need to understand the dynamics of organizational behavior and how it applies to their organization. Effective managers understand how organizational behavior creates the culture within an organization, and the value of diversity in an organization. Effective managers will possess strong people skills and strong communication skills and knowledge of how to interrelate those skills effectively to manage people.

S.P. Robbins and T.A. Judge define organizational behavior as a field of study investigating the impact individuals, groups, and structure has on behavior within an organization, and applying that knowledge toward improving organizations effectiveness (Robbins & Judge, 2009, p. 10). Organizational behavior involves the performance of the employees within the organization, and the driving factors of task performance, absenteeism, turnover, organizational citizenship behavior, ethical behavior, organizational effectiveness, and job satisfaction (Schermerhorn, Hunt, & Osborn, /2008, p. 6).

The definition of organizational culture is “the system of shared actions, values, and beliefs that develops within an organization and guides the behavior of its members (Schermerhorn et al., /2008, p. 364).” The observable aspects of organizational culture are the relating of stories, rites, rituals, and symbols shared among the members of the organization.

The definition of workforce diversity is “how people differ in age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, and sexual orientation (Schermerhorn et al., /2008, p. 11).” An organization that has a strong organizational culture has embraced the diversity of its employees and uses that diversity in a positive manner by recognizing and using the talents and creativity of a diverse...