1the Dynamics of People and Organizations

The Dynamics of People and Organization

Chapter 1

Understanding Organization Behavior

Organizational Behavior

The study and application of knowledge about how people – as individuals and as groups – act within organizations.

Goals of Organizational Behavior

Describe Understand Predict Control

Understanding Organization Behavior

Forces

People– Make up the internal social system of the organization

Structure– Defines the formal relationship and use of people in

organizations

Technology– Provides the resources with which people work and

affects the tasks that they perform

Environment– It is where organizations operate

Fundamental Concepts

Figure 1-1

Key forces

affecting

organizational

behavior

Understanding Organizational Behavior

Positive Characteristics of the OB Field

Theories– Offer explanations of how and why people think, feel,

and act as they do.

Research– The process of gathering and interpreting relevant

evidence that will either support a behavioral theory or help change it.

Practice– The conscious application of conceptual models and

research results in order to improve individual and organizational performance at work.

Understanding Organizational Behavior

Major Strengths of OB

Interdisciplinary nature– Integrates the behavioral sciences with other social

sciences that can contribute to the subject.

Research knowledge and conceptual frameworks– The keys to its past and future successes revolve

around the related processes of theory development, research, and managerial practice.

Acceptance of theory and research– Managers of today are more receptive to new models,

they support related research, and they hungrily experiment with new ideas.

Fundamental Concepts

Figure 1-2

The interaction of theory, research, and practice in organizational behavior

Fundamental Concepts

The Nature of People

Individual Differences Perception A Whole Person Motivated Behavior Desire for Involvement Value of the Person

The Nature of Organizations

Social Systems Mutual Interest Ethics

Fundamental Concepts

Figure 1-4

Mutual interest provides super ordinate goal for employees, the organization, and society

Fundamental Concepts

Figure 1-7

Cost benefit analysis of organizational behavior options

Limitations of Organizational Behavior

Behavior Bias People who lack system understanding may

develop this which gives people the narrow viewpoint that emphasizes satisfying employee experiences while overlooking the broader system of the organization in relation to all its publics.– Tunnel Bias

Law of Diminishing Returns Overemphasis on an organizational behavior

practice may produce negative results.

Limitations of Organizational Behavior

Unethical Manipulation of People People who lack respect for the basic dignity of

the human being could learn organizational behavior ideas and use them for selfish ends.

Ethical Leadership recognize such principles as the following:– Social Responsibility– Open Communication– Cost-benefit Analysis

Continuing Challenges

Seeking Quick Fixes

Varying Environments

Lack of a Single Definition