Organizational behavior (OB) is a field of study that explores the dynamics within organizations, focusing on how individuals and groups behave within the workplace. It draws upon concepts from various disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and management to understand human behavior in organizational settings.
- Individual Behavior: This involves examining individual attitudes, personality, perception, motivation, and decision-making processes within an organization.
- Group Behavior: Understanding how teams and groups function within an organization, including dynamics, communication patterns, conflict resolution, and leadership styles.
- Organizational Structure: Analyzing the formal and informal structures, hierarchies, and systems within an organization that influence behavior and performance.
- Organizational Culture: Exploring the shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices that shape the organizational environment and influence employee behavior.
- Leadership and Management: Studying different leadership styles, management practices, and their impact on employee motivation, job satisfaction, and performance.
- Change Management: Understanding how organizations manage and adapt to change, including factors affecting organizational change, resistance to change, and strategies for successful implementation.
The study of organizational behavior aims to improve organizational effectiveness and employee well-being by identifying factors that contribute to or hinder productivity, satisfaction, and overall success within the workplace. Strategies derived from OB research are often applied in areas such as leadership development, team building, conflict resolution, and organizational design.