ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

DEFINITIONS

John Newstrom & Keith Davis – “study & application of knowledge about how people, as individuals & as groups, act within organizations”

Greenberg & Baron – “field that seeks knowledge of behavior in organizational settings by systematically studying individuals, group and organizational processes”

Stephen Robbins – “ a field of study that investigates the impact of individuals, groups & structure have on behavior within organizations for the purpose of applying such knowledge towards improving an organization’s effectiveness”

OB studies behavior of people at different levels –

1. Individual – individual attitude, personality, motives

2. Interpersonal – interaction bet employees

3. Group – impact of formal & informal groups

4. Intergroup – coordinating efforts of different groups for smooth attainment of objectives

5. Organizational – structure, culture, impact on individuals & groups

6. Inter-organizational – impact of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, external environment on people

4 MAIN GOALS

1. Describe behavior – gather info to describe human behavior accurately & completely, how people behave under different conditions, helps managers to describe & communicate

2. Understand behavior – understand & explain causes of behavior, find reasons behind actions, helps managers to understand better & deal effectively with employees

3. Predict behavior – helps managers to identify productive/ unproductive employees, sincere, dedicated/ disruptive

4. Control behavior – motivate, reduce stress & improve team effort

KEY FORCES AFFECTING ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

1. People

Most vital aspect of an organization

Operate as individual / groups

Groups – large/ small/ official/ unofficial and are dynamic as they are formed, changed, disbanded

Employees come from diverse backgrounds, differ in education, talent, culture, lifestyle, values

Organization must focus on building relationships, show care, concern, attend to problems, build competence & sense of pride, create an environment of openness & confidence

2. Structure

Number of people working at diff levels & performing diff jobs

Structure is the formal relationship & use of people in organization

Modern struc tureis flatter (fewer levels) & more complex

3. Technology

Set of processes to transform resources into goods/ services

Significant impact on working relationships

Advantages & disadvantages of technology

4. Environment

Internal & external

Family, government, economic factors, competitors

Consumers have become more demanding expect more in terms of products / services

NATURE OF PEOPLE

1. Individual Differences – every human is unique & different from the other, on account of heredity (nature) and environment (nurture), managers cannot deal with all employees in the same way and each must be handled differently

2. Perception – way in which each person sees, organizes and interprets things, perceptions differ in 2 individuals because of differences in their personality, needs and values.

Selective perception is tendency to interpret what one sees on basis of their interests, backgrounds, experiences and attitudes.

E.g. A manager quickly notices mistake committed by a person he dislikes but fails to spot a mistake by his favorite subordinate

Individual behavior is based on perception of situation and perception determines how people respond to situations.

3. A Whole Person – impossible to separate home & family life of a person from work life, or to separate physical characteristics of an individual from his emotional characteristics.

Employees play many more roles outside the work place, what happens outside affects his performance at work.

4. Motivated Behavior – human actions are intentional & purposeful, behavior has causes which may be related to his needs or consequences

2 basic ways in which managers can motivate

1. By showing employees how certain desirable behavior will be rewarded

2. By threatening employees that undesirable actions will be punished

5. Desire for Involvement – employees have a strong desire to contribute to their organization, they seek opportunities to utilize their knowledge, talents & skills for success of organization, they have a strong desire to share ideas & be involved in decision making.

Meaningful involvement of employees is possible through Empowerment – passing of responsibility and authority from managers to employees.

It provides greater autonomy to employees through sharing of relevant information and is beneficial to both

Empowerment makes employees feel competent and valued, their talents being used

6. Value of Person (Human Dignity) – organization must treat their employees with care, respect & dignity, not as mere economic tools, human beings need to be valued for their skills & abilities

NATURE OF ORGANIZATIONS

1. Social Systems : People interact as individuals & groups, 2 types of social systems exist together in organization - formal (official) & informal. Behavior is governed by social laws & psychological laws

2. Mutual Interest : Organization needs people & people need organizations, for achieving objectives fulfilling individual needs

3. Ethics : OB strongly advocates ethical practice, no breaking rules under pressure

When Organizations engage in ethical practice, result is Triple Reward System – objectives of people, organization & society are met, and everyone benefits and gains

Individuals gain by better job satisfaction, spirit of cooperation & teamwork develops

Organizations function more effectively & are successful, quality improves & costs are reduced

Society gains as it gets better products/ services, more capable citizens & faster progress

Organizations adopt ethical practices & take steps to promote high standards of ethics

Source: Newstrom, John W. and Keith Davis. Organizational Behavior: Human Behavior at Work (13th Ed.) New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2002

Prepared by:

Queenie R. FloraBSA 3-A

ang weird lang sa indio, alam naman nilang old tagalog ang gagamitin pero bakit halos lahat ng kinuha nila sa diwata role eh yung mga hirap managalog? hahaha