Organization

Overview of Organizational Behavior

Content

• • • • • The definition of Organisational Behaviour Brief history of OB Data collection and Research methods in OB Skill development in OB References

The definition of Organizational Behaviour (OB)

• OB is the study of human behavior, attitudes and performance in the workplace, the interaction between people and the organization, and the organization itself. [1] • The main goals of OB are to explain, predict and control behavior. • Why should you study OB?

– Studying OB should help to attain the competencies needed to be an effective employee, team leader, and/or manager.

Brief history of OB

• The history of OB is rooted in the behavioural approach to management, or the belief that specific attention to workers’ needs creates greater satisfaction and productivity. • OB is also heavily influenced by sociology in its study or group behaviour, organisation structure, diversity and culture.

Brief history of OB (cont’d)

• Five key developments in the history of OB:

– Classical approach to management

• It compassed scientific management and administrative management, and contributed some insights into understanding workplace behaviour.

– Hawthorne studies

• The first Hawthorne study examined the effects of changes in lighting on productivity. • The Hawthorne effect is the tendency of people to behave differently when they receive attention because they respond to the demands of the situation.

Brief history of OB (cont’d)

– The Human Relations Movement • Key points of the movement are that satisfied workers are more productive and that, given the proper working environment, virtually all workers would be highly productive. – The Contingency Approach • This approach derived from the study of leadership styles. • The strength is that it encourages managers and professionals to examine individual and situational differences before deciding on a course of action

Brief history of OB (cont’d)

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