Organizational Business

Organizational Behavior Terminology and Concepts

LaChandra N. Gaines

University of Phoenix

Organizational Behavior and Group Dynamics

Sandra Brown

February 17, 2010

Organizational Behavior Terminology and Concepts

During the early twentieth century, the need to study organizational behavior became an important factor. In the 1890s, the workforce was more industrialized and humans were treated as a piece of machinery rather than as a person. The study of how individuals act within an organization was the result of how humans were being treated during that time frame. Other important topics include organizational culture, organizational behavior, diversity, and communication grew of greater importance as well. Throughout this paper, I will briefly explain the meaning of each of the above terms as they pertain to organizational behavior. I will also relate each term as it relates to the organization where I am currently employed, Humana, Inc.

Organizational Culture

Organizational culture can be defined as the character of the organization. Organization culture can also be defined as “corporate culture.” Culture consists of the values, norms, and any concrete articles of members of an organization and their behaviors. Organizational culture pertains to the customs within an organization, and is also known as corporate culture (Organizational culture 101). Gareth Morgan, a theorist of Organizational Behavior described organizational culture as: "The set of the set of beliefs, values, and norms, together with symbols like dramatized events and personalities that represents the unique character of an organization, and provides the context for action in it and by it” (Organizational culture 101). I am currently employed at Humana, Inc. Humana is organizations that encourage its employees to be innovative with new ideas that will help the company succeed in all of its endeavors.

Organizational Behavior

Organizational Behavior (OB) is the study of...