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Chapter 1

The Nature and Scope of Organizational Behavior


What is Organizational Behavior (OB)?

OB is the study of human behavior in the workplace, the interaction between people
and the organization, and the organization itself.
The goals of OB are to explain, predict, and control behavior.
The ultimate goal of OB is to improve the performance of people, groups, and
organizations, and to improve the quality of work life overall.

Research methods in OB
Case study (subjective but provides loads of information)
Laboratory Experiment (the most scientific method)
Field experiment (experimental method applied to live situation)
Meta-analysis (quantitative review of studies that is widely used today)
Why study OB?
Development of soft (interpersonal) skills
Personal growth via insight into others
Enhancement of individual and Organizational Effectiveness The extent to which an
organization is productive and satisfies the demands of its interested parties.
Sharpening and refining common sense (common sense is often wrong)

A Brief History of OB
The Classical Approach
Scientific management was the application of scientific methods to determine the
one best way for a job to be done to increase individual workers productivity.
Frederick W. Taylor Father of Scientific Management

According to the principles of scientific management, there is a division of work


between managers and workers.
Principles of
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Scientific Management:
Standardization
Time and task study
Systematic selection and training
Pay incentives

Administrative management - concerned primarily with the management and


structure of organizations. (Organizational productivity)
The core of management knowledge lies within the classical school, including the
framework of planning, organizing, leading and controlling.
Henri Fayol POC3 to Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling
(POLC)
Max Weber Father of Bureaucracy
Hawthorne Studies
The Hawthorne studies examined the effects of lighting on productivity.
A major conclusion from these studies was the workers reacted positively because
management cared about them.
Hawthorne effect is the tendency of people to behave differently when they receive
attention because they respond to the demands of the situation.
The Hawthorne studies also led to many other conclusions, such as the fact that
effective communication with workers is critical to managerial success.
The Human Relations Movement
Was based on the belief that an important link exists among managerial practices,
morale, and productivity.
Key points : Satisfied workers are more productive and that, given the proper
working environment, virtually all workers would be highly productive.
Theory X and Theory Y of Douglas McGregor.
Theory X Negative/pessimistic assumptions about workers capability.
Theory Y Positive/optimistic assumptions.
The Contingency Approach
Emphasizes there is no one best way to manage people or work.
It encourages managers and professionals to examine individual and situational
differences before deciding on a course of action.
Derived from the study of leadership styles
Positive Organizational Behavior
Refers to the study and application of human resource strengths and psychological
capacities that can be measured, developed, and managed for performance
improvement.
Focus on what is right with people such as love, work and play.
In general, positive organizational behavior focuses on developing human strengths,
making people more resilient, and cultivating extraordinary individuals, work units,
and organizations.
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