1) Introduction To OB

What is Organisational Behaviour

OB is the study of how individuals, organisations and structure impacts workplace behaviour for the betterment of the organisation and it’s effectiveness.

Why is OB Important

The average person spends 8-10 hours per work day at work, closely linking it to their personal life and mental health.

Understanding OB allows for us to create a positive environment, advocating for motivation and effectiveness.

What do Managers Do

Key roles include:

• Get work done through delegation

• Allocating resources

• Organising company structure/hierarchy

• Create a positive workplace environment

• Performance management

• etc

4 Key Management Functions

Planning

• Identifying a company goal, developing a strategy and hence goals to attain said goal.

Leading

• Making decisions, directing and coordinating subordinates

Organising

• Establishing organisational hierarchy, delegation, etc

Control

• Performance reviews, identifying potential goals for the future

Essential Management Skills

Critical Analysis/Problem solving

Communication and motivation

Being able to utilise/apply training and unique skills

Managerial Activities

Traditional Managing (Making decisions, allocating resources, etc)

Networking (Making connections)

Communicating (With superiors and Subordinates)

HR Management (Motivating, Disciplining, etc)

Goals of OB

OB Strives to:

• Motivate, fostering a healthy work environment

• Reduce absenteeism and turnover rates

• Raises productivity

Factors impacting OB

Factors can have positive or negative effects on behaviour

• Economic Pressure (Interest rates, cost of living, etc)

• Social Media (Policies regarding use during work, and posting)

• Job Type (Casual, Remote, etc)

• Globalisation (Connecting and managing foreign cultures and time zones)

• Workforce Demographics (Age, culture, etc)

• Ethical behaviour policies

Forming an OB model

OB Models analyse attributes, acts and effects

Basic OB models have 3 stages

• Inputs → Processes → Outcomes

OB is analysed at 3 levels

• Organisation, Group and Individual

Analysing Individuals

Input

• Traits and characteristics (Personality, skills, diversity)

Process

• Their decision making, motivation, perceptions/beliefs

Output

• Attitudes and stress, task performance, etc

Analysing Groups

Inputs

• Structure, Responsibility, Roles, Diversity

Process

• Communication, leadership, internal politics

Outputs

• Group cohesion and function

Analysing Organisations

Inputs

• Structure, workplace culture/environment and policies

Processes

• Changing procedures

Outcomes

• Productivity and survivability

Types of Decision Making

Decisions can be based on intuition or systematic study.

• Intuition: Gut feeling, individual observation, common sense

• Systematic Study: Science backed evidence/research and predictions

Understanding change and OB restrictions

Organisational Behaviour is influenced by numerous factors, meaning there are few “absolutes“ which would work in every situation.

Misunderstanding is common, particularly in networked/globalised organisations. It is important to treat everyone as an individual and understand their culture/beliefs.