EXPLORING ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR KEY CONCEPTS: THEIR IMPACT ON EMPLOYEES AND THE WORKPLACE

Copyright © 2025 by Obioma C. Iwuanyanwu. 868228

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Rev. date: 07/14/2025

EXPLORING

ORGANIZATIONAL

BEHAVIOR KEY

CONCEPTS: THEIR

IMPACT ON EMPLOYEES

AND THE WORKPLACE

OBIOMA C.

IWUANYANWU

EXPLORING

ORGANIZATIONAL

BEHAVIOR KEY

CONCEPTS: THEIR IMPACT

ON EMPLOYEES AND THE

WORKPLACE

OBIOMA C. IWUANYANWU

DEDICATIONS

This book is dedicated to all professionals, scholars, colleagues and students, who continuously seek to understand and improve the dynamics of organizational life. To all employees, whose individual experience shape the fabric of the workplace: To all managers and leaders, who strive to create a better, positive, effective, and ethical workplace. Your efforts inspire this work as your contributions are deeply appreciated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Obioma C. Iwuanyanwu is a Professor of Organizational Behavior, Leadership, Strategic Management, Business Ethics, Research Methods, and Strategic Human Resource Management among others, at various universities in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. He holds a Doctor of Education (Organizational Leadership) from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Strayer University, Washington D.C., and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Abia State University, Nigeria. His research and interest are in the areas of Leadership, Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Academic Advising, Student Retention and Business practices.

Dr. Obioma Iwuanyanwu is a seasoned Professor, a recognized Academic Dean and Administrator known for creating engaging learning environment by promoting critical thinking, and delivering dynamic, industry-relevant course content for over 18 years at Strayer University and other colleges in the District of Columbia. In his distinguished academic career, he has taught more than 40 different undergraduate and graduate level courses, created and revised numerous courses across the School of Business for a number of universities in the region. Dr. Iwuanyanwu has been a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) since 2014 and has consistently enhanced learning outcomes through innovative teaching methodologies derived from his corporate world experience within the industry and beyond.

At one point in his career, Dr. Iwuanyanwu served as Faculty Discipline Lead for Human Resource Management, mentoring peers in best practices and instructional strategies. As a Special Assistant to the University President at the American College of Commerce and Technology, he demonstrated strong commitment to institutional service, university accreditation and continuous improvement in the education of the adult learner. Driven by passion for academic excellence and student achievement, Dr. Obioma Iwuanyanwu is vested in his effort to continue to support the mission of education by preparing students and professionals for meaningful career-focused opportunities in a competitive global economy.

PREFACE

Organizations are bedeviled with numerous issues that hinder their success in the face of abundant human and material resources. Combining an array of resources and technology to foster a smooth operation is one task that needs impeccable care and expertise. This book is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of 10 basic concepts that are crucial for success in any organization. Whether you are a seasoned professional, or just starting out your career, this book will help you navigate the complexities of the workplace from understanding employee behavior, leadership, motivation, communication, creativity, diversity, empowerment, performance appraisals, and organizational change. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, it has become more imperative than ever to understand these dynamics that drive employee behavior and organizational success.

In addition, ideas provided in this book, will equip you with the right tools and knowledge to excel in your role as well as support your everyday endeavor in your organization. Each chapter is packaged with theories, real-world examples, and insightful tips that will help you apply these critical concepts to your everyday work life. Furthermore, you will learn how to create a positive workplace culture, motivate your employees, communicate effectively, promote creativity and innovation by managing diversity, empowering your team, conducting effective exercises and navigating organizational change with ease.

After your interaction with this book, you will gain a wealth of knowledge and a solid foundation across these 10 organizational behavior key concepts which will no doubt, serve you well throughout your career. Finally, I am confident that this book will become a valuable resource for you, while I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on your career and your organization. So, let’s get started on this exciting journey into the world of organizational behavior.

Welcome to the world of Organizational Behavior!

Introduction

Dear readers, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to my book titled Exploring Organizational Behavior Key Concepts: Their Impact on Employees and The Workplace.

In today’s dynamic and ever-evolving work environment, organizations face numerous challenges in effectively managing their human resources and capital. This 10-chapter book serves as a comprehensive guide on fundamental concepts that are essential to understanding and navigating the complex realm of organizational behavior. Each of these ten chapters delve into a key facet of organizational behavior thus, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance your understanding across these basic impacting concepts. Starting with Chapter 1, Employee Behavior and Workplace Conduct, you will explore the importance of fostering a positive work environment and the need to promote ethical conduct. Subsequent chapters explore the distinction between Leading and Managing Employees (Chapter 2), the significance of Learning and Motivation (Chapter 3), and the crucial role of Values and Ethics (Chapter 4) in shaping organizational culture. Effective Communication is understood to be the cornerstone of successful organizations, is also covered extensively in Chapter 5. You will gain valuable insight into fostering clear and open channels of communication both vertically and horizontally in your organization as a step to enhance collaboration and productivity. Chapter 6 probes into the realm of Creativity and Innovation thus, showcasing how organizations can harness the power of imagination and novel thinking to drive progress and stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

In an increasingly diverse world, Managing Diversity (Chapter 7) is a critical consideration for organizations today. This chapter discusses the importance of creating an inclusive workplace that embraces different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Employee Empowerment, as explored in Chapter 8, is an important aspect of organizational behavior. You will learn how to cultivate an environment that encourages autonomy, engagement, and personal growth. Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals covered in Chapter 9, provides guidance on evaluating employee performance and also provides constructive feedback on fostering professional development. Finally, Chapter 10 addresses the ever-present challenge of Organizational Change and Resistance. In this chapter, you will learn new strategies to navigate change successfully and overcome resistance to ensure organizational growth and adaptability.

Throughout this book – Exploring Organizational Behavior Key Concepts: Their Impact on Employees and The Workplace, you will find a wealth of knowledge, real-world examples, and practical tips that will empower you to apply these concepts in your own organizational context. Whether you are a professional, student or an organizational leader, insights shared in this book will help you navigate the complexities of organizational behavior and create positive work environment where everyone will thrive.

Lastly, I welcome you to appreciate the flamboyant expertise and dedication that brought this book to life. The commitment to provide valuable and relevant content is evident throughout this book. May I also extend my gratitude to you - the readers, whose pursuit of knowledge and desire to enhance your understanding of organizational behavior make endeavors like this extremely worthwhile. Therefore, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the wisdom contained in these pages by interacting with these organizational behavior concepts as you reflect on how they can be applied in your own journey. Please, allow this book be your companion and guide as you embark on creating more informed, compassionate, and effective organizational practices.

I wish you an enriching and transformative reading experience with my warm regards as you read my book.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

Introduction

CHAPTER 1 - EMPLOYEE BEHAVIOR AND WORKPLACE CONDUCT

Figure 1.1 – Impact of Employee Behavior in the Workplace:

The Importance of Evaluating Employee Behavior and Workplace Conduct

Employee Behavior and Workplace Conduct – Expectations

Contemporary Thinking on Employee Behavior and Workplace Conduct

Impact of Employee Behavior and Workplace Conduct on Organizational Culture

Behavioral Impact of Workplace Conduct on Employees

Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 2 - LEADING VERSUS MANAGING EMPLOYEES

The Importance of Leading Versus Managing People

Leading Versus Managing People – Expectations

Contemporary Thinking on Leading Versus Managing People

Impact of Leading Versus Managing People Through Organizational Culture

Figure 2.1 - Comparison Between Leading and Managing Employees:

Impact of Leading Versus Managing Employees in the Workplace

Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 3 - LEARNING AND MOTIVATION

Importance of Learning and Motivation

Learning and Motivation – Expectations

Contemporary Thinking on Learning and Motivation

Figure 3.1 - Interrelationship Between Learning and Motivation:

Impact of Learning and Motivation on Organizational Culture

Impact of learning and motivation on Employees

Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 4 - VALUES AND ETHICS

The Importance of Values and Ethics in the Workplace

Expectations of Values and Ethics in the Workplace

Contemporary Thinking on Values and Ethics

Impact of Values and Ethics on Organizational Culture

Impact of Values and Ethics on Employees

Figure 4.1 - Comparison of Values and Ethics:

Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 5 - EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

The Importance of Effective Communication in the Workplace

Research Expectations of Effective Communication in the Workplace

Contemporary Thinking on Effective Communication

Impact of Effective Communication on Organizational Culture

Impact of Effective Communication on Employees

Figure 5.1 - Components and Strategies of Effective Communication:

Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 6 - CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

Importance of Creativity and Innovation

Workplace Expectations on Creativity and Innovation

Contemporary Thinking on Creativity and Innovation

Impact on Organizational Culture

Impact on Employees

Figure 6.1 - Understanding Creativity and Innovation:

Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 7 - MANAGING DIVERSITY

Importance of Managing Diversity in the Workplace

Expectations of Managing Diversity in the Workplace

Contemporary Thinking on Managing Diversity

Impact of Managing Diversity on Organizational Culture

Impact of Managing Diversity on Employees

Figure 7.1 - Managing Diversity in Organizations:

Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 8 - EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT

Importance of Employee Empowerment

Expectations of Employee Empowerment in the Workplace

Contemporary Thinking on Employee Empowerment

Impact of Employee Empowerment on Organizational Culture

Impact on Employees

Figure 8.1 - Employee Empowerment Overview:

Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 9 - CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS

Importance and Significance of Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals

Expectations While Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals

Figure 9.1 – Steps in Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals:

Contemporary Thinking on Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals

Impact of Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals on Organizational Culture

Impact of Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals in the Workplace

Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 10 - ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND RESISTANCE

The Significance of Organizational Change and Resistance

Expectations During Organizational Change and Resistance

Figure 10.1 - Organizational Change; Dynamics and Management:

Figure 10.2 - Change Management Process:

Contemporary Thinking on Organizational Change and Resistance

Impact of Organizational Change and Resistance on Organizational Culture

Impact of Organizational Change and Resistance on Employees

Conclusion and Recommendations

REFERENCES

CHAPTER 1 - EMPLOYEE BEHAVIOR AND WORKPLACE CONDUCT

Chapter Objectives

glyph diamond Describe and explain acceptable employee behavior and workplace conduct

glyph diamond Examine the importance of employee and workplace conduct

glyph diamond Discuss the expectations of employee and