Organizational Behavior

The Meaning of Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior (OB) is the study of human behavior in the workplace, of the interaction between people and the organization, and of the organization itself. The major goals of organizational behavior are to explain, predict, and control behavior.

Explanation refers to describing the underlying reasons or process by which phenomena occur. For example, an understanding of leadership theory would explain why one person is a more effective leader than another. The same theory would help predict which people (such as those having charismatic qualities) are likely to be effective as leaders. Leadership theory could also be useful in controlling (or influencing) people. One leadership theory, for example, contends that group members are more likely to be satisfied and productive when the leader establishes good relationships with them.

HISTORY OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

The history of organizational behavior is rooted in the behavioral approach to management, or the belief that specific attention to workers’ needs creates greater satisfaction and productivity. In contrast to the largely technical emphasis of scientific management, a common theme of the behavioral approach is the need to focus on people. Scientific management did not ignore people altogether, and in some ways it contributed to organizational behavior. For example, scientific management heavily emphasized financial incentives to increase productivity. Yet the general thrust centered on performing work in a highly efficient manner.

Organizational behavior is also heavily influenced by sociology in its study of group behavior, organization structure, diversity, and culture. In addition, the insights of cultural anthropologists contribute to an understanding of organizational culture (the values and customs of a firm). In recent years, several companies have hired anthropologists to help them cultivate the right organizational culture. Organizational...