Module 1

Module Overview

• Introduction to Human Behavior and Organization

  • Syllabus includes the following topics:

    • Meaning and importance of organizational behavior (OB)

    • Historical development of OB

    • Factors influencing OB

    • Contributing disciplines of OB

    • Models of OB

Meaning of Organizational Behavior

• Study of organizational activity and employee behavior.

• Investigates how individual and group behavior impacts organizational performance.

• Aims to apply knowledge to improve organizational effectiveness.

Definitions

• Fred Luthans: "OB is about understanding, predicting, and controlling human behavior in organizations."

• Davis and Newstorm: A comprehensive study of how people behave within various types of organizations.

• Robbins: Focuses on the impact of individuals, groups, and structures within organizations.

Objectives of Organizational Behavior

• Establish a functional social system in organizations.

• Assess and enhance employee motivation levels.

• Foster an enthusiastic work environment.

• Develop effective leadership and group behavior.

• Identify and resolve conflicts and frustrations.

• Maintain a favorable organizational environment.

Goals of Organizational Behavior

1. Describe: Understand behavior patterns.

2. Understand: Examine causes of specified behaviors.

3. Predict: Identify productivity among workers.

4. Control: Manage and develop human activity in the workplace.

Nature of Organizational Behavior (OB)

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrates knowledge from various fields such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

• Applied Science: Solutions driven by research to address human behavior issues.

• Normative Science: Makes recommendations for achieving socially accepted organizational goals.

• Humanistic Approach: Focuses on treating employees as thinking, feeling individuals.

Factors Influencing Organizational Behavior

• People: Individuals and groups form the internal social system.

• Structure: Defines roles and relationships within the organization.

• Technology: Affects economic conditions and work methods.

• Environment: External factors such as government and society.

Historical Development of OB

• Originates from the Industrial Revolution, with contributions from:

  • F.W. Taylor (Scientific Management)

  • Max Weber (Bureaucracy)

  • Hawthorne Studies (Human Relations Movement)

• Shift from efficiency-focused studies to addressing social factors and employee needs.

Role of Organizational Behavior in Business Management

• Globalization: Managing diverse workforces across cultures and nations.

• Diversity: Promoting awareness and skills for a heterogeneous workforce.

• Quality & Productivity: Empowering employees to enhance service quality.

• Customer Service: Fostering better interaction with clients.

• Work-life Balance: Designing flexible roles for better employee retention.

• Ethical Behavior: Creating an ethically healthy work environment.

• Positive Work Environment: Building resilience and strength in competitive settings.

Contributing Disciplines of OB

• Psychology: Understanding human behavior and motivation.

• Sociology: Studying social relationships and group dynamics.

• Social Psychology: Examining influence among people.

• Anthropology: Analyzing cultural behaviors and values.

• Political Science: Understanding power dynamics and conflict.

• Economics: Assessing economic sustainability in organizational efforts.

Models of Organizational Behavior

1. Autocratic Model: Authority-led management; high dependence on the boss.

2. Custodial Model: Focus on employee security; leads to dependence on the organization.

3. Supportive Model: Leadership-focused; responsibilities shared with employees.

4. Collegial Model: Team-oriented; management as a coach to foster collaboration.

5. S-O-B-C Model: Explains human behavior as influenced by stimuli, organism responses, and consequences.