Introduction to Organizational Behavior

Resource: Lumen Learning

Management Theory

Explains how to organize work, motivate people, and boost efficiency (communication, teamwork, and human motivation.) These theories shape how managers lead today.

Organizational Behavior

the study of how people act and interact within workplace settings, examining individual and group behaviors to understand what motivates employees, how teams function, and what influences workplace culture

Contemporary Issues

Modern workplaces face constant change. Organizational behavior helps managers handle these challenges and adapt effectively.

administrative management theory

a management approach that focuses on the overall structure and functions of organizations, emphasizing how managers should plan, organize, coordinate, and control business operations to achieve organizational goals

artificial intelligence (AI)

technology that enables computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, or analyzing data patterns

bureaucratic management theory

a management approach that emphasizes formal organizational structures with clear rules, procedures, and hierarchies, while prioritizing employee well-being through job security, fair treatment, and protection from arbitrary management decisions

freelancing

involves hiring a self-employed individual who provides services on a project-by-project basis rather than being a permanent employee of one company

general systems theory

a management approach based on the idea that every part of an organization affects every other part. If one team or process breaks down, the rest of the system feels the impact

human relations management theory

a management approach that views workers as individuals rather than interchangeable parts.

management theory

a collection of understandings and findings that help leaders support their teams and achieve organizational objectives

offshoring

the practice of moving business operations or jobs from a companyʼs home country to another country, typically to reduce costs or access specialized skills. This can be done either by moving the work to the companyʼs own foreign facilities or by hiring external companies abroad

outsourcing

the practice of hiring external assets to provide services to help perform job functions typically done by internal employees

Theory X

explains that managers have a negative view of their employees and believe that employees need to be forced or coaxed into working

Theory Y

managers believe that employees are inherently motivated to work