Organizational Behavior has a few different definitions, depending on where you look. For this reason I have decided to add a couple of these definitions to the page, as this will give us all a better look at what Organizational Behavior actually is.
Contents
Bratton et al. (2010) Define OB as:
- The systematic study of formal organizations and of what people think, feel and do in and around organizations.
Bratton’s Perspective
- This aspect of OB involves analyzing the official, structured part of organizations.
- It includes understanding how organizations are designed, the roles and hierarchies within them, and how these elements influence organizational functioning and employee behavior.
- Bratton et al. emphasize the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of employees in the workplace.
- This includes their perceptions, emotions, attitudes, and actions.
- By studying these, OB seeks to understand how individual behavior is influenced by and, in turn, influences the organizational environment.
- The interaction between individuals and their organizational environment is critical. This involves studying how organizational culture, leadership styles, and interpersonal relationships affect individual and group behavior.
Buchanan and Huczynski (2010): Define OB as:
- An interdisciplinary body of knowledge and field of research, concerned with how formal organizations, behavior of people within organizations, and salient features of their context and environment, evolve and take shape, why all these things happen the way they do, and what purposes they serve.
Buchanan and Huczynski’s Perspective
- Buchanan and Huczynski highlight OB’s interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and management.
- This diversity allows for a more comprehensive understanding of organizational dynamics.
- This includes studying how individuals behave in different organizational settings, the dynamics of teamwork and leadership, and the impact of organizational structures on behavior.
- They also point out the importance of understanding how organizations evolve over time and how they are influenced by their external environment. This involves considering economic, technological, social, and political factors that shape organizational strategies and practices.
- Understanding the ‘why’ behind organizational structures and behavior is crucial. This involves looking at the goals and objectives of organizations and how these drive the behavior of individuals and groups within them.
What is the Definition of an Organization?
- Work organization: a deliberately formed social group in which people, technology and resources are deliberately coordinated through formalized roles and relationships to achieve a division of labour designed to attain a specific set of objectives efficiently.
- Organization: a social arrangement for achieving controlled performance in pursuit of collective goals.
Beyond the Definitions of OB
Organizational Behavior (OB) is a multidisciplinary field that investigates the impact of individuals, groups, and structures on behavior within organizations. The primary goal of OB is to apply this knowledge towards improving an organization’s effectiveness. It is an intersection of psychology, sociology, anthropology, and management.
Role of Organizational Behavior
Individual Behavior:
At the individual level, OB looks into personality, perception, learning, and motivation. Understanding why people behave the way they do is crucial for effectively managing an organization. For instance, motivational theories like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs or Herzberg’s two-factor theory provide insight into employee motivation, guiding managers in creating more effective incentive systems.
Group Dynamics:
OB studies how people interact within groups. This includes understanding team dynamics, communication patterns, leadership, power, and politics within the organization. Group behavior can often differ significantly from individual behavior, as group norms and cohesion come into play.
Organizational Systems and Structures:
At this level, OB examines organizational culture, structure, design, and change. It investigates how these elements influence employee behavior and how they can be leveraged to achieve organizational goals. For example, an organization’s culture — the shared values, beliefs, and norms of its members — can significantly impact how employees act and interact.
Enhancing Employee Well-being:
OB focuses on improving job satisfaction, engagement, and work-life balance. Happy and satisfied employees tend to be more productive and contribute positively to the organization.
Improving Leadership:
Understanding OB helps in developing effective leadership styles and management practices. It guides leaders in how to motivate teams, manage conflicts, and lead change.
Facilitating Change:
OB provides tools and insights for effective change management. Understanding how people react to change and how to manage this process is vital in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Optimizing Organizational Structure:
OB helps in designing organizational structures that facilitate efficient communication, enhance productivity, and adapt to the changing business landscape.
Organizational Behavior is not just an academic discipline but a crucial practice in the effective management of organizations. It bridges the gap between the human aspect of work and the operational side of management.
In a world where organizational landscapes are continually evolving, the principles of OB provide a foundational framework for understanding and navigating the complexities of human behavior in a professional setting. By focusing on the human element, OB plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall health and productivity of organizations.
FAQs
What is Organizational Behavior?
Organizational Behavior is a field of study that investigates the impact of individuals, groups, and structures on behavior within organizations, aiming to improve organizational effectiveness and employee well-being.
Why is Organizational Behavior important for firms?
Understanding OB helps firms manage their workforce more effectively, improve communication, enhance employee satisfaction, and ultimately increase productivity and profitability.
How does Organizational Behavior improve employee performance?
OB provides insights into motivational strategies, leadership styles, and team dynamics, enabling firms to create environments that maximize employee engagement and performance.
Can Organizational Behavior help in managing workplace diversity?
Yes, OB equips managers with the knowledge and skills to understand, respect, and leverage diversity, fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
How does OB contribute to organizational change?
OB offers frameworks and strategies for effective change management, helping firms navigate and implement change with minimal resistance and maximum employee buy-in.
What role does OB play in conflict resolution within firms?
OB provides tools for understanding the root causes of conflicts and effective conflict resolution techniques, promoting a harmonious and cooperative work environment.
Can Organizational Behavior improve decision-making in firms?
Yes, by understanding group dynamics and decision-making processes, OB can help firms make more informed, collective, and strategic decisions.
How does OB impact leadership within a firm?
OB studies different leadership styles and their impact, aiding in the development of effective leadership strategies that resonate with diverse employees and organizational cultures.
What is the significance of Organizational Culture in OB?
Organizational Culture, a key component of OB, influences all aspects of organizational life, including employee behavior, motivation, and company values, shaping the overall success of the firm.
How does OB address the work-life balance of employees?
OB highlights the importance of work-life balance for employee well-being and productivity, guiding firms in creating policies and a culture that supports a healthy balance.
