The Field of Organizational Behavior Chapter 1

Learning Objectives Define the concepts of organization and organizational behavior (OB). Describe the field of organizational behavior’s commitment to the scientific method and the three levels of analysis it uses. Trace the historical developments and schools of thought leading up to the field of organizational behavior today. Identify the fundamental characteristics of the field of organizational behavior.

Learning Objectives Describe how the field of OB today is being shaped by the global economy, increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the workforce, and advances in technology. 6. Explain how changing expectations about the desire to be engaged in work, the need for flexibility in work, and the pressure to promote quality have influenced the field of OB.

Organization A structured social system consisting of groups and individuals working together to meet some agreed-upon objectives.

Organizational Behavior The field that seeks increased knowledge of all aspects of behavior in organizational settings through the use of the scientific method.

Four OB Field Characteristics Applies Scientific Method to Managerial Problems Studies Individuals, Groups, and Organizations Multidisciplinary in Nature Enhances Organizational Effectiveness and Individual Well-Being

OB applies the Scientific Methods to Practical Managerial Problems Behavioral Sciences: Filed such as psychology and sociology that seek knowledge of human behavior and society through the use of the scientific methods.

OB applies the Scientific Methods to Practical Managerial Problems How Goals Can Enhance Job Performance How Jobs Can Be Designed to Enhance Employee Satisfaction When Individuals and Groups Make Better Decisions How Organizational Communication Can Be Improved How Work-related Stress Can Be Alleviated How Leaders Can Enhance Team Effectiveness

OB Focuses on Three Levels of Analysis

OB is Multidisciplinary in Nature Multidisciplinary Roots of OB Psychology Sociology Anthropology Political Science Economics Management Science

OB Seeks to Improve Organizational Effectiveness and Quality of Life at Work Theory X vs. Theory Y

Why Is It Important to Know about OB? Satisfied Employees More Pleasant at Work Lower Costs Higher Productivity Less Likely to Quit Unsatisfied Employees Reject Organization Policies More Likely to Steal Increased Mental and Physical Illnesses

Two Fundamental Assumptions 1.Dynamic Nature of Organizations Open Systems Model

Fundamental Assumptions Ob Assumes There is No “One Best” Approach Contingency Approach: A perspective suggesting that OB is affected by a large number of interacting factors. How someone will behave is said to be contingent upon many different variables at once. Behavior Contingent Upon Certain Conditions

OB History Scientific Management Human Relations Movement Efficient Design of Jobs Human Relations Movement Hawthorne Studies

OB History Classical Organizational Theory OB as a Social Science Efficient Organization Structure Division of Labor Bureaucracy OB as a Social Science The Infotech Age

Three Prominent Trends 1.a. Increasingly Global Businesses Multinational Enterprises (MNE) Repatriate Culture Shock Expatriate Changing Management Perspectives Convergence Hypothesis Divergence Hypothesis

1.b. Increasingly Diverse Workforce Prominent Trends 1.b. Increasingly Diverse Workforce

2. Responding to Technology Changes Prominent Trends 2. Responding to Technology Changes Leaner Organizations Creation Downsizing Outsourcing Virtual Organization Creation Increasing Telecommuting Use

3. Responding to Changing Expectations Prominent Trends 3. Responding to Changing Expectations Increasing Engagement Increasing Flexibility Idiosyncratic Work Arrangements Flexible Hours Contingent Workforce Compressed Workweeks Job Sharing Voluntary Reduced Work Time

Responding to Changing Expectations Prominent Trends Responding to Changing Expectations The Quality Revolution Total Quality Management Benchmarking Malcolm Baldridge Quality Award