APPLICATION OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR PRINCIPLES TO SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT Educational Leadership

Introduction What is organizational behavior? Why is it an important area of study?

Organizational Behavior The study of individuals and groups in organizations The study of organizational learning: process of acquiring knowledge/using information to help the organization successfully adapt to change

Organizational Behavior Theory Organizational Behavior Theory Meta- Analysis Surveys Case Studies Laboratory Studies Field Studies

Organizational Behavior Fundamentals People are very complex Organizations are comprised of people Leading and changing organizations is complex business Understanding human behavior and organizational behavior is essential to successful leadership

Complexity of People Gender Age Able-bodiedness Culture Aptitude Ability Personality Values Perceptions Attribution Motivation

Complexity of People Gender Age Able-bodiedness Culture Aptitude Ability Personality Values Perceptions Attribution Motivation PERCEPTION

What do you see?

Changes in Organizations Movement away from ‘command & control’ Emergence of new workforce expectations Increasing impact of information technology Strong belief in empowerment Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration Greater preference for work – life balance

Involvement In Decisions Commitment to High Standards Of Quality Opportunity for Self-Directed Work Integration of Technology Organizational Learning High Performance Achieving Organizational High Performance

OB Principles and Organizational Planning Community Dialogue (Overview)  Students, parents, teachers, elected officials, community members, school and business leaders  Topics identified by participants  Dialogues facilitated by participants  Simple, one page improvement plan (framed by Community Dialogue themes; locally developed unit plans) with 18-month scope

OB Principles and Organizational Planning Community Dialogue  Students, parents, teachers, elected officials, community members, school and business leaders  Building ownership of those with a vested interest  Listening and learning from others in different roles  Providing opportunity for students to make a difference and experience/influence decision-making

OB Principles and Organizational Planning Community Dialogue  Topics identified by participants  Dialogues facilitated by participants  Tapping innovative ideas across broad perspectives  Valuing individual contributions  Actively engaging stakeholders in the process

OB Principles and Organizational Planning Community Dialogue  Simple, one page improvement plan (framed by Community Dialogue themes; locally developed unit plans) with 18-month scope  Keeping improvement planning simple and focused  Learning how the parts are connected to a whole  Encouraging autonomy within a context of common goals  Staying flexible to make adjustments as needed