Organisational Behaviour
Organisational Behaviour
Organisational Behaviour
- Organizational behaviour is the study of how individuals and groups behave within an
organizational context. It explores various factors that influence human behaviour in
the workplace, including individual differences, group dynamics, leadership,
communication, organizational culture, and change management. Understanding OB
helps organizations effectively manage their human resources and improve overall
performance.
2. Informal Communication Channels: These channels are less structured and do not
follow the formal organizational hierarchy. Informal communication tends to occur
spontaneously and can travel in any direction within the organization. Examples
include:
- Grapevine Communication: Grapevine communication refers to informal networks
of communication that spread rumors, gossip, and unofficial information among
employees. While often seen as less reliable than formal channels, the grapevine can
provide valuable insights into employee sentiments and concerns.
- Every organisation has a unique personality, just like individuals. This unique personality of
an organisation is the culture. Organisational culture is either built and maintained by
founders to grow their organisation in a particular direction or develops over time from the
interactions of people working in the organisation. Organisational culture is essential for
developing the traits necessary for success. It defines how individuals behave and function
when working together. The main goal of companies is to foster a productive, healthy, and
positive culture.
*Organizational culture plays a critical role for several reasons:
1. Abstractedness
2. Apprehension
3. Dominance
4. Emotional stability
5. Liveliness
6. Openness to change.
7. Perfectionism
8. Privateness
9. Reasoning
10. Rule-consciousness
11. Self-reliance
12. Sensitivity
13. Social boldness
14. Tension
15. Vigilance
16. Warmth
These are six elements of organizational design that can affect how employees and managers
interact and divide primary duties: -
1. Work specialization
Work specialization is a process that assigns each professional to a specific task. Because the
management of the company is clear in what they expect from their employees, each one can
focus on their task, gaining special skills and experience that can help them improve. When
using work specialization, management professionals often assign tasks to the employee who
is best suited for it. This means the professional's work history, skill set, and education align
with the task. Work specialization allows an employer to focus less on training and redirect
its energy and resources to other company needs. For example, factory and warehouse
companies use work specialization for assembly line workers. In a factory that specializes in
making gift baskets, one professional may arrange the decorative paper in the basket while
another professional adds fruits to the basket.
3. Formalization of elements
Formalization specifies the relationships and roles within a company. Larger companies often
have a more distinct formalization of primary roles than smaller companies. This is because
employees may fill multiple roles in a smaller company. For example, in a neighborhood
pizza shop, the manager may be responsible for food preparations besides their leadership
responsibilities. Formalization of elements also can clarify workplace rules, such as how
many breaks an employee can take during their shift. Because these elements can shape
workplace culture, it's important to consider them carefully when crafting a company's
organizational design plan.
5. Span of control
A leader can be more successful when they manage an appropriate number of employees.
Span of control is an element of organizational design that accounts for the number of people
a leader supervises and the tasks they handle. For example, the acquisitions department of a
publishing company is likely to have a large volume of incoming book pitches. If the
department employs many readers to accommodate this demand, the department may need
multiple managers to monitor and guide the readers' work. Clarifying a specific span of
control can ensure managers can handle all their tasks while overseeing daily operations and
monitoring the progress of their designated team members. The ideal span of control can
depend on a variety of factors including:
Workplace size
Manager abilities
Company goals
Company structure
Leadership style
6. Chain of command
The chain of command of a company describes the business' hierarchy and can affect
workplace culture and the efficiency of work production. An organizational chart can visually
portray each employee's place in the company hierarchy, and the company may have a strict
or flexible chain of command. With a strict chain of command, each employee has a direct
supervisor with an exception for the chief executive officer. In a more flexible chain of
command, the owner may be the highest point of contact, then a manager or two in the
middle with the rest of the employees ranking under the managers. In this scenario, the
lowest level of employee would report to the managers and the managers’ report to the
business owner.
-Decision-making is a leadership skill that managers use to assess a situation and determine
how the organization may proceed. The decision-making process involves the following
steps:
Identifying the challenge: In this step, the manager discovers an issue and
determines the circumstances that led to the situation.
Devising solutions: After learning more information about the case, the manager
creates one or several possible solutions.
Weighing options: The manager analyses the advantages and disadvantages of each
option and explores alternative solutions if needed.
Making a choice: Once a thorough assessment takes place, the manager makes a final
decision about what action to take.
Informing others of the decision: The manager informs employees of the decision
and explains how the decision influences the workplace.
Leaders of organizations undergo decision-making protocols for several reasons,
including:
Implementing new company policies
Designing budgets and allocating financial resources
Recruiting and training new employees
Creating organizational goals
Entering new markets
Downsizing or expanding the organization.
Developing new products
Building the company brand
Q8 Define Personality and explain Sigmund Freud’s theory in detail?
According to Sigmund Freud, human personality is complex and has more than a single
component. In his famous psychoanalytic theory, Freud states that personality is composed of
three elements known as the id, the ego, and the superego: -
The Id
According to Freud, the id is the source of all psychic energy, making it the primary
component of personality.
The id is driven by the pleasure principle, which strives for immediate gratification of
all desires, wants, and needs.1 If these needs are not satisfied immediately, the result is
a state of anxiety or tension.
The Ego
According to Freud, the ego develops from the id and ensures that the impulses of the
id can be expressed in a manner acceptable in the real world.
The ego is the personality component responsible for dealing with reality.
The ego operates based on the reality principle, which strives to satisfy the id's desires
in realistic and socially appropriate ways. The reality principle weighs the costs and
benefits of an action before deciding to act upon or abandon impulses.
Example: - Imagine that you are stuck in a long meeting at work. You find yourself
growing increasingly hungry as the meeting drags on. While the id might compel you
to jump up from your seat and rush to the break room for a snack, the ego guides you
to sit quietly and wait for the meeting to end.
The Superego
The last component of personality to develop is the superego.
According to Freud, the superego begins to emerge at around age five.
The superego holds the internalized moral standards and ideals that we acquire from
our parents and society (our sense of right and wrong).
example, if you give in to the urges of the id, the superego is what will cause you to
feel a sense of guilt or even shame about your actions.
B) Psychological Factors
1. Personality
2. Perception
3. Attitude
4. Values
C) Environmental Factors
a) Economic Factor
1. Employment Level
2. Wage Rates
3. General Economic Environment
4. Technological Development
D) Organisational Factors
1. Physical Facilities
2. Organisation Structure and Design
3. Leadership
4. Reward System
Q10 What is Perception? Discuss the factors which affect the perception?
- Perception is a process by which an individual interprets anything that comes in front of him
or her. It is the way in which he or she utilizes his or her sensory impressions to interpret a
particular situation and give a particular meaning to the environment.
There are a set of factors in the target that affect our perception: -
Novelty − The quality of being innovative and different is a pivotal point in any target
that affects its perception by someone. Suppose in a set of children a child is very
outspoken; the teacher will perceive him to be the best among the group.
Sounds − The sound of a particular place, thing, or person affects the perception of
them by different people a lot. A loud person is perceived as a more confident fellow
than a slow-spoken person, who is perceived to be underconfident.
Size − The size of a particular target also has a lot to do with how different people
perceive it.
Similarity − The similarity of a particular person or thing with the target affects the
perception on a wide scale.
Work setting − The setting of work at different organizations affects their perception
by their employees. Suppose there is an office with hectic work schedules and
tedious, tiring workdays. Employees of this organization may be reluctant to work
there, but if there is a similar organization with fun activities and lots of incentives,
employees of this organization may love where they work.
Q11 Explain the types of groups in detail ?
- Groups can be classified into various types based on different criteria. Here's a detailed
explanation of some common types of groups:
1. Primary Groups: These are small, intimate groups characterized by face-to-face interaction,
close relationships, and long-lasting connections. Members of primary groups typically share
emotional bonds, mutual support, and a sense of belonging. Examples include families, close
friendship circles, and small communities.
2. Secondary Groups: Secondary groups are larger and more impersonal than primary groups.
They are often formed for specific purposes or goals, such as achieving tasks, accomplishing
objectives, or pursuing common interests. Relationships in secondary groups tend to be more
formal and task-oriented rather than based on personal connections. Examples include
workplaces, academic classes, and professional associations.
3. Reference Groups: Reference groups are social groups that individuals use as a standard
for evaluating their own attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs. These groups provide benchmarks
for comparison and influence individuals' perceptions of themselves and their social identity.
Reference groups can be aspirational (groups individuals strive to emulate) or associative
(groups individuals currently belong to). Examples include peer groups, cultural or religious
communities, and professional societies.
4. In-Groups and Out-Groups: In-groups are social groups with which individuals identify
and feel a sense of belonging, while out-groups are those to which individuals do not belong
and may even perceive as different or inferior. In-group members often exhibit favouritism,
loyalty, and solidarity toward one another, while out-group members may face discrimination
or prejudice. These distinctions can lead to social categorization and the formation of
stereotypes or biases.
5. Formal Groups: Formal groups are intentionally created to fulfil specific organizational or
institutional objectives. They have defined structures, roles, and rules governing members'
behaviour and interactions. Examples include work teams, committees, and governmental
bodies. Formal groups often operate within established hierarchies and adhere to prescribed
procedures and protocols.
6. Informal Groups: Informal groups emerge spontaneously among individuals within a social
setting based on shared interests, values, or affiliations. Unlike formal groups, they lack
official recognition or organizational structure. Informal groups can serve various functions,
such as providing social support, facilitating communication, or influencing group norms.
Examples include friendship cliques, hobby clubs, and social media communities.
7. Task Groups: Task groups are formed to accomplish specific objectives or solve problems
within a defined timeframe. Members collaborate and coordinate their efforts to achieve the
group's goals efficiently. Task groups may disband once their objectives are met or evolve
into ongoing teams if continued collaboration is necessary. Examples include project teams,
research groups, and problem-solving committees.
8. Social Groups: Social groups are formed primarily for social interaction, companionship,
and recreational activities rather than instrumental purposes. They provide opportunities for
individuals to connect, socialize, and enjoy shared interests or leisure pursuits. Social groups
contribute to individuals' socialization, emotional well-being, and sense of community.
Examples include sports teams, hobby clubs, and community organizations.
1. Cultural Diversity:
- Cultural intelligence (CQ) becomes essential for employees and managers to navigate
cross-cultural interactions sensitively and effectively.
2. Globalization:
3. Cross-Cultural Communication:
- Effective global leaders demonstrate cultural agility, empathy, and adaptability to lead
across borders and cultures.
- Global teams consist of members from different geographical locations who collaborate
virtually to achieve common goals.
- Managing global teams requires addressing challenges such as time zone differences,
language barriers, and cultural diversity.
- Leveraging technology for virtual collaboration, promoting trust and accountability, and
establishing clear communication channels are essential for the success of global teams.
- Ethical leadership and a strong commitment to social responsibility are essential for
maintaining trust and legitimacy in diverse cultural contexts.
- ‘Motivation’ is the process of inspiring people to intensify their desire and willingness for
executing their duties effectively and for co-operating to achieve the common objectives of
an enterprise.
The Importance of Motivation in organisation:
1. Adequate Financial Incentive:
Provisions should be made for fair and adequate remuneration of the employees of the
enterprise. Remuneration must be fixed in such a way that the employees are satisfied. If they
are not well paid, they will not be motivated to perform their work with sincere efforts.
Therefore, proper arrangements are to be made for enough wages and salaries, bonus, various
allowances, etc. to encourage the employees.
2. Congenial Work Environment:
Conducive work environment is needed for motivating the employees effectively. If
favourable working conditions are not created, the process of motivation will not be fruitful.
A suitable work environment means proper arrangements for ventilation and lighting,
cleanliness, and healthy atmosphere at the workplace.
3. Provision for Promotion:
The employees are motivated through their promotion in future. Arrangement for promotion
should be based on seniority or efficiency of the employees.
4. Non-monetary Facilities:
Besides financial incentives, some non-monetary facilities like the provisions for travelling,
education, accommodation, and medical treatment of the employees—free of cost—should be
arranged for motivation.
5. Retirement Benefits:
Retirement benefits of the employees should be satisfactory for influencing them to work
more. Arrangement of the important retirement benefits like the provisions of provident fund,
pension, gratuity, etc. are to be made.
6. Security of Job:
The employees should be ensured about the stability of their employment. If they feel safe
and secured in their jobs, they will be highly motivated.
7. Goodwill and Possibility of Development of the Enterprise:
The employees will be well-motivated to perform their jobs more effectively if the enterprise
in which they work has a good reputation in the market and there lies the possibility of
expansion, growth, and prosperity in near future.
8. Recognition of Good Work:
The performance of good work by the employees should be recognised, accepted and praised
by the upper-level managers for creation of motivation among the employees.
9. Unity among the Employees:
Through the establishment of unity among the employees, motivation can be created. For this
purpose, cordial relationship should be made among them. Equal and impartial behaviour to
the employees of all levels and improvement of working relation are also necessary.
10. Good Behaviour of the Higher-Level Authority:
Sweet behaviour of the higher authority and good relation between the employees and higher
authority are needed for motivating the employees properly and adequately.
Q14 Give a brief note on Advantages and Disadvantages of group decision making?
-A group, organizational behavior, refers to two or more individuals who interact with each
other, share common goals, and perceive themselves as a cohesive unit. Groups within
organizations can take various forms, including formal work teams, project groups,
committees, or informal social networks. Here are some reasons why groups are essential in
organizations:
1. Synergy and Collaboration: Groups allow individuals to pool their resources, skills, and
knowledge to accomplish tasks or solve problems collectively. Synergy arises when the
combined efforts of group members result in outcomes that exceed what could be achieved
by individuals working alone.
2. Division of Labor: Groups enable organizations to divide complex tasks into smaller, more
manageable components and allocate them among members based on their expertise,
interests, and capabilities. This division of labor enhances efficiency and productivity by
leveraging the diverse skills of group members.
3. Problem Solving and Decision Making: Groups provide a forum for brainstorming ideas,
analyzing information, evaluating alternatives, and making decisions collaboratively. By
harnessing the collective intelligence and diverse perspectives of group members,
organizations can arrive at more creative, well-rounded solutions to complex problems.
4. Social Support and Motivation: Groups fulfill social and psychological needs by providing
a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and support. Membership in groups fosters mutual trust,
camaraderie, and morale, which can enhance job satisfaction, motivation, and commitment to
organizational goals.
5. Learning and Development: Groups serve as vehicles for learning, skill development, and
professional growth. Through interactions with peers, individuals can acquire new
knowledge, receive feedback, and refine their skills, contributing to continuous learning and
improvement within the organization.