Unit I What Is Organisation Behaviour
Unit I What Is Organisation Behaviour
In simpler terms:
Organizational Behaviour is about studying how people behave and work together in a group
or a company. It looks at how they communicate, get along with each other, and how their
behaviour affects the success of the organization.
We can define OB as a behavioural Science that states about:
• Nature of Man
• Nature of the Organization
• Knowledge of human would be useful in improving an organization’s
effectiveness.
For example, think about a sports team. Organizational behaviour would be like watching
how each player interacts with others on the team, how they cooperate, and how motivated
they are to win. By understanding these things, the coach can figure out how to make the
team work better together and improve their chances of winning games.
The importance of interpersonal skills:
Interpersonal skills are like superpowers that help us connect and get along with others in our
daily lives. These skills are all about how we talk, listen, and cooperate with people around
us. They are super important because they make our relationships better and our teamwork
stronger. In conclusion, interpersonal skills are invaluable in today's world, as they facilitate
effective communication, foster strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and enhance
teamwork. Mastering these skills not only benefits one's professional life but also leads to
more fulfilling personal interactions.
Effective Communication: Involves both verbal and non-verbal communication to
convey ideas clearly and understand others better.
Building Relationships: Forms strong connections, leading to a supportive and
harmonious environment by building trust and rapport.
Conflict Resolution: Enables peaceful conflict resolution, finding win-win solutions
and maintaining cooperation.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Crucial for successful teamwork, promoting effective
collaboration and improving team productivity.
Managers:
Managers are like team leaders in a company or organization. They make important
decisions, plan and organize tasks, and help the team work together efficiently. They
communicate with employees, solve problems, and motivate everyone to do their best.
Managers evaluate performance and build a strong team spirit. Their role is crucial in making
the company successful and creating a positive work environment.
The manager leads a marketing team for a new smartphone launch. They assign tasks,
provide guidance, and mediate conflicts. The successful campaign results in a positive
response from customers, and the manager celebrates the team's efforts.
What they do? Management functions:
Leadership and Decision-making, Planning and Organizing, Communication, Problem-
solving, Motivation and Employee Engagement, Performance Evaluation, Team Building and
Collaboration, Resource Management, Conflict Resolution, Goal Setting and Achievement.
Planning: Setting goals and creating a roadmap for achieving them.
Organizing: Allocating resources and assigning tasks to accomplish objectives
efficiently.
Staffing: Recruiting, selecting, and developing the right employees for the
organization.
Directing (Leading): Guiding and motivating employees to work effectively towards
common goals.
Controlling: Monitoring performance and taking corrective actions to ensure targets
are met.
Management roles:
Introduction to Managerial Roles: Managers perform diverse roles, from representing the
company to making informed decisions, all of which contribute to the success of the
organization. These roles can be broadly categorized into Interpersonal, Informational, and
Decisional roles. Each role requires different skills and responsibilities, all working together
to ensure the success of the organization.
Interpersonal Roles: Interpersonal roles involve interactions with people inside and
outside the organization. Managers act as figureheads, leaders, and liaisons,
representing the organization and building relationships. Example: The manager
represents the company at a formal event, encourages employees during meetings,
and collaborates with other departments for better communication.
Informational Roles: Informational roles focus on gathering, processing, and
distributing information to make informed decisions. Managers act as monitors,
disseminators, and spokespersons. Example: The manager monitors market trends,
shares information with the team, and presents campaign results to higher
management.
Decisional Roles: Decisional roles involve making choices and taking action to
address challenges and achieve organizational goals. Managers act as entrepreneurs,
negotiators, and problem solvers. Example: When facing budget cuts, the manager
finds innovative solutions, negotiates with suppliers, and resolves productivity issues
based on employee feedback.
Management Skills:
Management skills are the abilities that managers need to effectively lead and coordinate their
teams to achieve organizational goals. Effective managers possess a blend of technical,
human, and conceptual skills. These skills allow them to not only understand the technical
aspects of their industry but also to build strong relationships with their team members and
see the bigger picture of the organization.
Technical Skills: Technical skills are practical abilities that managers possess to
perform specific tasks related to their field or industry.
Example: In an IT company, the manager has technical skills in programming, which
allows them to understand the coding process and provide guidance to the
development team.
Human Skills: Human skills refer to the manager's ability to interact and
communicate effectively with their employees and colleagues.
Example: The manager displays strong human skills by listening to employee
concerns and providing constructive feedback during one-on-one meetings in the
office.
Conceptual Skills: Conceptual skills involve the manager's capability to think broadly
and understand the organization as a whole.
Example: During a strategic planning session, the manager demonstrates conceptual
skills by envisioning the company's future direction and proposing innovative ideas
for growth.
Disciplines that contribute to the OB field:
Disciplines of OB are different fields of study that contribute to understanding human
behaviour within organizations. These disciplines provide valuable insights into how
individuals and groups function in the workplace and help improve overall organizational
performance.
Psychology: Psychology studies human behaviour, including learning, motivation,
decision-making, and communication. In OB, psychology is used to understand
employee satisfaction, motivation, and group dynamics. Example: Understanding
employee motivation to improve productivity in an office setting.
Social Psychology: Social Psychology studies how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and
behaviours are influenced by the presence and actions of others. It explores topics like
social influence, group dynamics, and attitudes. Example: Understanding how group
norms and peer pressure affect decision-making within a team in an office setting.
Sociology: Sociology focuses on studying group behaviour, leadership, and
communication dynamics in organizations. Example: Analysing the influence of
leadership styles on team productivity in an office.
Anthropology: Anthropology focuses on studying the relationship between individuals
and their environment. In OB, it helps in analysing cross-cultural differences and
values within an organization. Example: Analysing how different cultural
backgrounds influence teamwork in a multinational company.
Challenges and Opportunities in Organizational Behaviour (OB):
Challenges in Organizational Behaviour (OB) give organizations a chance to improve and
grow. By facing these challenges and finding the right solutions, companies can create a
happy workplace, embrace diversity, adapt to changes, and make sure everyone behaves
ethically. This leads to happier employees and greater success for the organization.
Responding to Globalization: Challenge: Dealing with a diverse workforce from
different cultures and managing employees in different countries. Opportunity:
Understanding cultural differences and adapting management styles to be effective in
a global setting.
Managing Workforce Diversity: Challenge: Accommodating a diverse workforce in
terms of gender, age, race, ethnicity, and disabilities. Opportunity: Providing diversity
training, modifying welfare programs, and fostering an inclusive work environment.
Improving Customer Service: Challenge: Meeting customer expectations in service-
oriented industries. Opportunity: Using organizational behaviour insights to create a
customer-friendly culture and enhance customer satisfaction.
Stimulating Innovation and Change: Challenge: Adapting to continuous changes and
promoting innovation. Opportunity: Increasing employee participation, creativity, and
tolerance for change.
Coping with "Temporariness": Challenge: Dealing with uncertainty and job changes
in a fast-paced world. Opportunity: Encouraging continuous learning, flexibility, and
adaptability in employees.
Creating a Positive Work Environment: Challenge: Maintaining a positive work
environment amid competitive pressure. Opportunity: Using positive organizational
scholarship to emphasize employee strengths and foster vitality and resilience.
Organizational Behaviour model
An OB model is a map that predicts how people behave in organizations. It considers factors
like motivation, communication, and leadership, helping organizations improve employee
well-being and achieve their goals. Researchers continuously update and refine the model
based on real-life experiences. For example, in a real-life office, an OB model could help the
management understand why some employees are more motivated and productive than
others, and what factors contribute to a positive and cohesive team environment.
Inputs:
Individual Level Inputs: Characteristics like personality, values, attitudes, and
abilities.
Example: An employee's positive attitude boosts team morale.
Group Level Inputs: Dynamics such as team composition, communication patterns,
norms, and cohesion.
Example: A well-coordinated team with open communication achieves better results.
Organization Level Inputs: Context like culture, structure, leadership style, and
policies.
Example: An organization promoting creativity fosters innovation among employees.
Processes:
Individual Level: Emotions and Moods: Happy employees are more productive.
Motivation: Bonuses for achieving targets increase employee drive.
Perception: Positive feedback inspires personal growth. Decision Making: Weighing
options before deciding on a project.
Group Level: Communication: Open sharing enhances team collaboration.
Leadership: Supportive leaders boost team morale. Power and Politics: Using
influence to gain support for a project. Conflict and Negotiation: Finding
compromises to resolve disagreements.
Organizational Level: Human Resource Management: Training programs improve
skills. Change Practices: Involving employees in decision-making during changes.
Outcomes:
Individual Level: Attitudes and Stress: How employees feel and cope with work. Task
Performance: How well individuals do their job. Citizenship Behaviour: Going
beyond duties to help the organization. Withdrawal Behaviour: Employees
disengaging or leaving due to dissatisfaction.
Group Level: Group Cohesion: Unity and cooperation among group members. Group
Functioning: How well the group works together.
Organizational Level: Productivity: Efficiently achieving organizational goals.
Survival: Adapting and thriving in changing environments.
Personality , perception and attitudes
a) Personality : Definition and determinants
b) Big Five Personality Model
c) Perception : : Definition , factors that influence perception
d) Attitudes - Main components of attitudes; Major Job Attitudes
e) Job Satisfaction - Measuring job satisfaction. What causes job
satisfaction? The impact of satisfied and dissatisfied employees on the
workplace
Defining Motivation
Motivation is the drive or desire to do something, which pushes us to take action and achieve
our goals. Office Example: A motivated employee eagerly works on a project because they
are excited to showcase their abilities and help the team succeed.
Incentive: The desire to earn a year-end bonus motivates employees to work harder
and achieve their targets.
Unending Process: As the company expands, employees are inspired to take on new
challenges and grow with the organization.
Psychological Concept: Positive feedback and recognition from the manager boost an
employee's confidence and performance.
Power to Act: When faced with a tight deadline, employees are motivated to
collaborate and complete the project successfully.
Increase in Efficiency: Implementing a new time-saving software increases the team's
efficiency in processing client requests.
Reinforcement theory
Reinforcement theory suggests that a person's actions are influenced by the consequences of
those actions. When positive consequences follow a behaviour, it is more likely to be
repeated, leading to increased motivation. For example, at Walmart, employees who provide
excellent customer service are rewarded with monetary incentives, which motivates them to
continue delivering exceptional service.
Office Example: In an office, when an employee successfully completes a challenging project
ahead of the deadline, the manager publicly recognizes their achievement and rewards them
with a gift card. This positive reinforcement encourages the employee to continue taking on
complex projects with enthusiasm and dedication.
Expectancy Theory
Expectancy Theory is a way of understanding motivation that focuses on individual
expectations and perceptions about the relationship between effort, performance, and
rewards. It suggests that people are motivated to work hard when they believe that their
efforts will lead to good performance, which, in turn, will result in desirable rewards.
Vroom's Expectancy Theory says that people work harder when they think their efforts will
lead to good performance and rewards.
Office Example - Law Firm:
In a law firm, a junior lawyer named Sarah wants to be promoted to a senior position. She
believes that if she puts in extra effort and takes on challenging cases, her performance will
improve, and she will have a higher chance of getting promoted. Sarah also believes that the
promotion will come with a significant salary increase and recognition from the firm's
partners, which she values a lot. With these expectations in mind, Sarah is motivated to work
hard and perform well in her cases to achieve her goal of getting promoted.
a) Definition of leadership
b) Difference between leadership and management
c) Emerging trends in leadership
d) Authentic leadership
e) Mentoring for the future
Definition of leadership
A good leader guides and motivates their team to reach the company's goals. Their influence
helps everyone work together for success. The success of the company depends on having a
strong and effective leader.
In a consulting firm, the leader (CEO) guides the team with a clear goal of expanding into
new markets and keeping clients happy. The leader works closely with the team, encourages
flexible problem-solving, and motivates them to do their best. This creates a positive work
environment, and the firm gains a good reputation, attracting more clients and growing
successfully.
Followers: Leadership depends on having people who willingly follow the leader.
A Personal Quality: Leadership is a personal characteristic that influences others to
follow.
A Common Goal: Leadership is cantered around achieving shared objectives.
Active Relations: Effective leadership requires active communication and engagement
with followers.
Practical Approach: Leaders should be adaptable and use a democratic and flexible
approach.
It is a Process: Leadership involves continuous direction, guidance, and influence to
achieve goals.
Difference between leadership and management
BASIS FOR
LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT
COMPARISON
Focus:
Leadership: Focuses on inspiring and guiding people towards a common vision or goal.
Management: Focuses on planning, organizing, and coordinating tasks to achieve specific
objectives.
Example: In an office project, the leader sets the overall vision for the team, motivating
everyone to work together towards completing the project successfully. The manager, on the
other hand, ensures that each team member knows their specific tasks, organizes resources,
and creates a timeline for the project's completion.
Risk-Taking:
Leadership: Involves taking calculated risks to drive innovation and change.
Management: Focuses on minimizing risks and maintaining stability in operations.
Example: A leader might propose implementing a new technology or strategy to improve
efficiency, even if it involves some uncertainty. The manager, however, would carefully
assess the potential risks and benefits before deciding whether to proceed with the suggested
changes.
Authentic leadership
Definition: Authentic leadership means being a real and honest leader who builds trust
and open communication with the team.
Self-Awareness: Authentic leaders know themselves well, their strengths, weaknesses,
and emotions, and lead with integrity.
Relational Transparency: They form strong connections by being open, sharing
experiences, and encouraging honest feedback.
Ethical Decision-Making: Authentic leaders make principled choices based on their
values, even in tough situations.
Purpose and Values-Driven: They inspire others with a clear vision and deep
commitment to the organization's mission.
Empowerment: Authentic leaders empower their team, encouraging ownership and
meaningful contributions.
Positive Role Models: They set high standards of behavior and professionalism,
serving as positive examples.
Office Example - Consulting:
In a consulting firm, the managing partner practices authentic leadership by creating an open
and transparent work environment. They regularly engage with employees, listen to their
ideas, and share the firm's goals. This encourages the team to feel valued and motivated to
give their best effort. The managing partner also delegates responsibilities, allowing
consultants to showcase their skills and take initiative. As a result, the consulting firm
experiences higher employee satisfaction, stronger collaboration, and exceptional client
service.