BARAWED, MARY ANGELUS P.

BSA 2-7

BASIC CONCEPTS of ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR Organizational behavior deals with a number of fundamental concepts in relation to: (1) the nature of men, and; (2) the nature of organizations.

FOUR BASIC ASSUMPTIONS with regard to THE NATURE OF MAN

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES It is clear that people has lots of significant variation, although they, in many ways, may have much in common, as to their feelings, behavior , preferences, values, personality and reactions, etc. from birth, each one of us becomes unique due to heredity, environment, training and individual functioning. Hence, it can be inferred that a management can motivate their employees and workers by treating each individual differently, as much as possible, based on his personal circumstances. On this account, human relations philosophy starts with the individual. It is the individual who derives motivation and satisfaction, as well as, the unit that compose a group. Therefore, any decision to be made and responsibilities to take depends on that individual.

THE WHOLE PERSON Organizations take into their folds individuals who are skillful, knowledgeable, and experienced. But still, any persons distinct characteristic or ability could not be singled out as requirement for employment because he possessed traits and attributes which makes his totality as a whole person. For this reason, any judgment or consideration for an individual should be based on the entirety of his whole being because a persons attitude, work life, home life, emotional conditions and physical condition collectively influence his outlook and behavior.

MOTIVATION (caused behavior)

Motivation is one of the very important things that should exist in an organization because it can influence a persons behavior. An individual can be motivated most especially when he fulfills his interest, and necessities. Therefore, management should see to it that an employee is made to realize that a desired action would lead to the fulfillment of his desires and needs. Or by following a course of action, he can realize the fulfillment of his interest and need.

Motivation utilizes the human resources by making full use of it. This can be done by building willingness in employees to work. Also through motivation, goals can be achieved if coordination and co-operation takes place simultaneously. This is an important factor because it brings employees satisfaction. This can be done by keeping into mind and framing an incentive plan for the benefit of the employees -- monetary and non-monetary incentives, promotion opportunities for employees, disincentives for inefficient employees, recognition, increase in pay, etc. HUMAN DIGNITY

This concept is very philosophical. People belong to the highest order among Gods creation. As such every individual wants to be treated with respect and dignity. Every job of whatever nature entitles the person who performs it proper respect and recognition of his views, aspirations, skills, and abilities. Having a personality of his own, distinct and separate from that of the firm he represents, a person makes his own future. A persons acts have their consequences upon himself and upon others. Life, with its overall purpose, recognizes the existence of the inner integrity of every individual. Every human being needs to be treated with dignity and respect, whether it's the CEO of the company or a laborer.

THE NATURE OF ORGANIZATION as SOCIAL SYSTEMS

An organization is a social system that is formed for mutual interest and is achieved through the interrelationship and interaction of its constituents. MUTUAL INTEREST Organizations are formed and maintained to serve the mutual interest of their constituents. It is the mutuality of interest that serves as the building force as well the generator of cooperation within its ranks. People have to organize and work collectively as a way of achieving something that they could not attain by their selves alone. However, an individual has a privilege to choose whether to join or not to join an organization. At the same time, the organization also has its option to accept or decline the services of an individual. In both instances, the individual will join the organization if it will satisfy his needs and the organization may pick an individual whom it believes will help achieving its objectives and goals. HUMAN RELATIONS AND OTHER DISCIPLINES Human relations call for the application of all disciplines that contribute to the understanding of people in organizations. Psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, organization theory and scientific management and others should be integrated in the study of man and his actions, in his relationships with others, since man is to be considered in his entirety as a total person. Behavioral science is concerned with the systematized body of knowledge that accounts for why and how people behave in various situations. Human relations involve all types of people at work, be it in business administration, public administration or school administration.

 Nature of Organization The following points explain the nature of organization 1. Structure of relationships: organization is a system of well defined tasks and duties assigned to people along with delegation of authority, responsibility and accountability. Delegation provides formal structure to the organization. Constant interaction amongst individuals creates social relationships and structure of informal organization. 2. Managerial function: it is a function of management which integrates human and non human (physical) resources for achieving organizational goals. It is a function in itself and also helps in performing other managerial functions. for planning , directing and staffing functions to be effectively performed, it is necessary that they are effectively organized. 3. Ongoing process: organizing is a process which involves a series of steps, from determination of objectives to accomplishment of objectives. It is a continuous process which requires management to introduce changes (re-organization) in the way an organization works. Many organizations restructure their set-up every five to seven years. 4. Encourages teamwork: Since the early times, people always lived in groups. With increase in size of these groups, it was not possible for one person to accomplish the organizational task alone. The work therefore, got divided amongst people and each person coordinated his work with others. This required organizing the group activities toward a common goal. According to Louis A. Allen: Organization has enabled men to increase their reaches far beyond the dream of the wealthiest potentates of old by making effective use of a potent multiplier-machine, power and mechanized tools. Organization comes into existence when there are a number of persons in communication and relationship to each other who are willing to contribute towards a common Endeavour. 5. Foundation of management: Success of an institution depends upon its sound organization. Clear definition of jobs and their division amongst members with clear identification of authority and responsibility is the foundation of successful management. Unless there is clarity of who is responsible to whom, no management can function effectively. 6. Goal-oriented: Every organization is formed for some objective; profit or service. All organizational activities are divided amongst members, department are created, work is coordinate and continuous monitoring of activities is done to achieve the objective. The process of organization is, thus, a goal-oriented process. 7. Adaptive to change: Though organization structure provides stability to activities of members, it is open to change. Changes in the environment, internal or external, are incorporated in the organization structure. This makes organization an ongoing process. 8. Situational: No structure can be described as best. Depending upon the nature of activities, size of the organization and nature of relationship amongst people, the organization structure also varies.