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The Field of OrganizationalBehavior

• Organizational Behavior (OB) is a field ofstudy that investigates the impact thatindividuals, groups, and structure haveon behavior within organizations for thepurpose of applying such knowledgetoward improving an organization’seffectiveness.

Focal Points of OB

• Jobs• Work• Absenteeism• Employment turnover• Productivity• Management• Motivation

Complementing Intuition withSystematic Study

• Intuition: the “gut feeling” explanation ofbehavior.

• Systematic study improves ability toaccurately predict behavior.– Assumes behavior is not random.– Fundamental consistencies underlie

behavior.– These can be identified and modified to

reflect individual differences.

Systematic Study

• Examines relationships.• Attempts to attribute causes and

effects.• Bases conclusions on scientific

evidence:– On data gathered under controlled

conditions.– Data is measured and interpreted in

a reasonably rigorous manner.

Evidence-Based Management

• Complementssystematic study.

• Bases decisions on thebest available scientificevidence.

• Forces managers tobecome more scientificin their thinking.

Contributing Disciplinesto the OB Field

Psychology

Social Psychology

Sociology

Anthropology

Micro:The

Individual

Macro:Groups &

Organizations

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Challenges and Opportunitiesfor OB

• The workplace is contains a wide mix ofcultures, races, ethnic groups, genders andages

• Employees have to learn to cope with rapidchange due to global competition

• Corporate loyalty has decreased due tocorporate downsizing and use of temp workers

• Managers can benefit from OB theory andconcepts

OB Offers Insights Into:

• Improving quality andproductivity

• Customer service andbuilding a customer-responsive culture

• Developing people skills

OB Aids in Dealing With:

• Stimulating Innovationand Change

• Helping employeesbalance work-life conflicts

• Improving ethicalbehavior

Three Levels of OB Analysis

A Basic OB Model Implications for Managers• OB helps with:

– Insights to improve people skills– Valuing of workforce diversity– Empowering people and creating a

positive work environment– Dealing with labor shortages– Creating an ethically healthy work

environment