Organizational Behaviour_1

Organizational Behaviour

• . . . a field of study that investigates how individuals, groups and structure affect and are affected by behaviour within organizations, for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organization’s effectiveness.

Why Do We Study OB?

•To learn about yourself and how to deal with others

•You are part of an organization now, and will continue to be a part of various organizations

•Organizations are increasingly expecting individuals to be able to work in teams, at least some of the time

•Some of you may want to be managers or entrepreneurs

What is an Organization?

•A consciously coordinated social unit, composed of two or more people, that functions on a relatively continuous basis to achieve a common goal or set of goals.

Roles and Skills in the New Workplace

How Companies are Changing

“Cool” Companies

•Believe casual days are progressive

•Believe titles are obsolete

•Don't impose on employees' personal time

•Allow staff to come and go as they please

•Offer all employees stock options

•Let employees make decisions that affect their work

•Offer assistance with childcare

•Have minimal bureaucracy (red tape)

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“Old” Companies

•Think casual Fridays are pitiful

•Charge employees for perks and incentives

•Hold events on employee time

•Have flex time: but only between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

•Hide financial results from their employees

•Encourage employee input -- but rarely act on it

•Employ rigid hierarchies (chain of command)

•Stop at “open door” policies

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Exhibit 1-1 Challenges Facing the Workplace

The Layers of OB

The Rigour of OB

•OB:

• looks at consistencies

• is more than common sense

• has few absolutes

• takes a contingency approach

Bottom Line: OB Is For Everyone

•Organizational behaviour is not just for managers.
•OB applies equally well to all situations in which you interact with others: on the basketball court, at the grocery store, in school, or in church.

Summary and Implications

•OB:

• is a field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behaviour within an organization.

• focuses on improving productivity, reducing absenteeism and turnover, and increasing employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

•uses systematic study to improve predictions of behaviour.