Sess1

Organizational Behavior

Session 1

Organizational behavior

OB is a field of study that

investigates the impact that

individuals, groups, and

structure have on behavior

within organizations for the

purpose of applying such

knowledge towards

improving an organization’s

effectiveness.

Importance

Implementation of most managerial decisions requires understanding how people behave and react to different issues.

Management skills According to Robert Katz, essential

management skills are: Technical skills Human skills Conceptual skills

Human skills are essential for all kinds of managerial positions.

Management skills and levels

Main topics Interaction between values, beliefs, and perceptions and

behaviors;

Motivation theories;

Group and team behaviors;

Communication;

Leadership theories;

Power and politics;

Conflict management;

Organizational culture and structure.

Important approaches of the course

Multilevel approach

Level 3 Organizational level Organizational performance Organizational culture Strategies, Structure--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Level 2 Group level Group performance,

Cooperation Group learning, Cohesion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Level 1 Individual level Individual performance,

Personality Beliefs, Attitudes

Important approaches of the course (continued)

Cross-cultural approach

Cultural influences on individuals;

Cultural differences and cross-cultural management;

Culture and management theories.