Behavior Terminology

Behavior Terminology

Organizational behavior (also known as OB) is “the study of human behavior in organizations. It is an academic discipline devoted to understanding individual and group behavior, interpersonal processes, and organizational dynamics with the goal of improving the performance of organizations and the people in them” (Schermerhorn, Jr, Hunt, & Osborn, 2008, p. 5). OB can help individuals and organizations to develop better habits, better work-related skills, and better communication. OB is a good tool to help organizations become successful and remain successful. Key concepts of OB are organizational culture, organizational behavior, diversity, and communication.

Organizational culture

Organizational culture is “the shared beliefs and values that influence the behavior of organizational members” (Schermerhorn, Jr, Hunt, & Osborn, 2008, p. 11). Organizations with an organizational culture have a clear vision, and well communicated beliefs and values. The organizational culture can help the organization to stay on course, develop good teamwork environments, are innovative, and encourage employees to take risk. There are three different types of organizational cultures: constructive culture, passive/defensive culture, and aggressive/defensive culture. In the constructive culture the “members are encouraged to work together in ways that meet higher order human needs” (Schermerhorn, Jr, Hunt, & Osborn, 2008, p. 11). In the passive/defensive culture members “tend to act defensively in their working relationships, seeking to protect their security” (Schermerhorn, Jr, Hunt, & Osborn, 2008, p. 11). In the aggressive defensive culture members “tend to act forcefully in their working relationships to protect their status and position” (Schermerhorn, Jr, Hunt, & Osborn, 2008, p. 11). The most successful culture is the constructive culture. In this culture, the members of the organization have more motivation, satisfaction, and they work better within...