What is Organizational Behavior ?
264 reads · Last updated: December 5, 2024
Organizational behavior is the academic study of how people interact within groups. The principles of the study of organizational behavior are applied primarily in attempts to make businesses operate more effectively.
Definition
Organizational behavior is the academic study of how people interact within groups. Its principles are primarily applied to make businesses operate more effectively.
Origin
Organizational behavior originated in the early 20th century as industrialization prompted businesses to focus on improving employee productivity and satisfaction. The Hawthorne Studies were a significant milestone, revealing the impact of social and psychological factors on work efficiency.
Categories and Features
Organizational behavior can be divided into three levels: individual behavior, group behavior, and organizational systems. Individual behavior examines motivation, attitudes, and performance; group behavior focuses on team dynamics, communication, and leadership; organizational systems analyze culture, structure, and change management. Each level has its unique applications and challenges.
Case Studies
A typical case is Google, which enhances employee creativity and satisfaction by fostering an open and innovative corporate culture. Another example is Toyota, whose lean production system emphasizes teamwork and continuous improvement, significantly boosting efficiency and quality.
Common Issues
Common issues investors face when applying organizational behavior include measuring the relationship between employee satisfaction and productivity, and effectively implementing organizational change. A misconception is that organizational behavior only applies to large corporations, whereas small and medium-sized enterprises can also benefit.
