ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR (OB)

UNIT 1
Meaning:
 Organizational Behavior (OB) is the study of how individuals and groups behave
within an organization.
 It examines the behavior of employees at all levels and strives to understand, predict,
and influence their actions to improve organizational effectiveness.
Features of Organizational Behavior:
Interdisciplinary Nature:
 OB is an interdisciplinary field that draws knowledge and insights from various
disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and management.
 It recognizes that human behavior in organizations is influenced by a wide range of
factors, including individual psychological processes, group dynamics, social norms,
and organizational structures.
Systematic Study:
 OB relies on systematic and scientific research methods to gather data, analyze
behavior, and draw conclusions.
 Research methods include surveys, experiments, case studies, and observations to
understand and explain organizational phenomena.
Goal-Oriented:
 The primary goal of OB is to improve organizational effectiveness and performance.
 It seeks to understand how individual and group behaviors can be aligned with the
organization's objectives to achieve optimal results.
Applied Focus:
 OB is highly practical and applied in nature.
 It emphasizes the application of its findings and principles to solve real-world
organizational problems and improve day-to-day operations.
Contingency Approach:
 OB recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to organizational challenges.
 It emphasizes the contingency approach, where interventions and strategies must be
tailored to the specific context and circumstances of each organization.
Human-Centered:
 OB places a strong emphasis on the human element in organizations.
 It focuses on understanding and managing employees' attitudes, motivations,
perceptions, and behaviors, as they play a central role in organizational success.

Multilevel Analysis:
  OB examines behavior at multiple levels, including individual, group, and
organizational levels.
 It recognizes that individual actions and group dynamics impact the overall
organizational culture and performance.
Continuous Process:
 OB is not a one-time event but a continuous process.
 It involves ongoing monitoring, assessment, and adaptation to changes in the internal
and external organizational environment.
Global Perspective:
 In today's globalized world, OB also considers the impact of cultural diversity and
international factors on organizational behavior.
 It acknowledges that organizations often operate in multicultural settings, and
understanding cross-cultural dynamics is crucial.
Ethical Considerations:
 OB emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior within organizations.
 It addresses issues related to ethical decision-making, corporate social responsibility,
and the promotion of ethical conduct among employees.
Change Management:
 OB recognizes that organizations are constantly evolving, and change management is
a significant aspect.
 It provides insights into how to manage and adapt to organizational changes
effectively, whether they are related to technology, structure, or culture.
Conflict Resolution and Communication:
 OB deals with conflict resolution strategies and effective communication within
organizations.
 It helps in managing conflicts constructively and enhancing communication channels
to foster a positive work environment.
These features collectively define the essence of Organizational Behavior as a field of study
and practice. Understanding these features is crucial for anyone interested in managing and
improving behavior and performance within organizations.
Definition:
 Organizational Behavior can be defined as the study of how individuals and groups
behave within an organizational setting and how these behaviors impact the
organization's effectiveness.

Nature and Scope of Organizational Behavior:

  The nature of OB is dynamic and evolving, reflecting changes in society, technology,
and the business environment.
 The scope of OB encompasses various aspects, including individual behavior, group
behavior, organizational structure, culture, and the impact of the external
environment.
Assumptions of Organizational Behavior:
 People are Rational: OB assumes that individuals are rational beings who make
decisions that maximize their self-interest.
 People are Social: Human beings are inherently social, and their behavior is
influenced by social factors.
 People are Diverse: OB recognizes the diversity in individual characteristics, values,
and backgrounds.
 People have Different Needs: Individuals have a range of needs, and organizations
must address these to motivate and engage employees effectively.
 People are Motivated: Employees are motivated to achieve their goals, and
understanding their motivations is crucial for effective management.
Major Disciplines and their Contributions to International Organizational Behavior:
 Psychology: Provides insights into individual behavior, motivation, cognition, and
emotion. Cross-cultural psychology is essential for understanding behavior in diverse
international contexts.
 Sociology: Examines group dynamics, social structures, and their impact on
organizational behavior. It helps in understanding the influence of societal norms and
values.
 Anthropology: Focuses on culture, rituals, and customs, which are vital when working
in diverse international settings. Cultural anthropology helps in understanding and
respecting different cultures.
 Management: Provides principles and frameworks for effective leadership, decision-
making, and organizational design. International management involves adapting
management practices to different cultural and global contexts.
 Economics: Offers insights into the economic factors affecting organizations globally,
such as globalization, trade, and international markets.
 Political Science: Helps in understanding the political environment, regulations, and
government policies that impact international organizations.
 Globalization Studies: Addresses the challenges and opportunities of operating in a
globalized world, including issues related to global supply chains, international trade,
and cultural diversity.
These notes provide an overview of the topics you mentioned in Organizational Behavior.
You can further elaborate on each topic with specific examples and case studies to deepen
your understanding.

Two Mark Questions

 1. What is Organizational Behavior (OB)?

2. Name two disciplines from which OB draws insights.

3. Explain the goal-oriented nature of Organizational Behavior.

4. What is the contingency approach in OB?

5. Define the interdisciplinary nature of Organizational Behavior.

6. What is the significance of understanding human behavior in organizations?

7. Describe the applied focus of Organizational Behavior.

8. Explain the concept of multilevel analysis in OB.

9. What does the continuous process of Organizational Behavior entail?

10. Why is ethical behavior emphasized in Organizational Behavior?

Detailed Questions

1. Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of Organizational Behavior, providing examples

of how psychology, sociology, and anthropology contribute to the field.

2. Explain the systematic study in Organizational Behavior, highlighting the research

methods used and their importance in understanding organizational phenomena.

3. Elaborate on the contingency approach in Organizational Behavior, emphasizing the

need for tailored interventions and strategies in different organizational contexts.

4. Discuss the major disciplines contributing to International Organizational Behavior

(Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Management, Economics, Political Science,
and Globalization Studies) and their specific contributions.

5. Explore the role of Organizational Behavior in change management, providing

examples of effective strategies for managing organizational changes related to
technology, structure, or culture.