Organizational Behavior and Motivation Theories

Introduction to Psychology for Business and Public Life

• Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, aiming to describe and explain human thought, feelings, and actions.
• Organizational psychology applies psychological principles to the workplace, focusing on human behavior within work environments.
• Organizations are comprised of multiple people with shared goals and interactions within an external environment.
• Organizational behavior studies individual and group behavior within organizational settings to improve effectiveness.
• Organizations operate with a defined structure facilitating communication and efficient workflows.
• Individual participation is vital to organizational success, with positive interactions among employees crucial to efficiency.
• The psychological contract is a set of mutual expectations defining the rights and privileges of employees and organizations.

Individuality

• Organizations consist of individual members, who react to organizational expectations and external influences.
• Conflicts arise when individual needs clash with organizational demands; understanding this conflict is crucial.
• Managing relationships in dynamic work environments demands cultural awareness and individual understanding.

Work Analysis

• A productive worker is a happy, focused, and respected worker.
• Improving worker well-being is key to improving organizational performance.
• Employee performance varies, some exceeding expectations, while others perform less effectively.

Descriptive vs Prescriptive Theories or Models

• Descriptive theories accurately depict existing organizational structures and operation, while prescriptive ones illustrate ideal organizational structures.
• Descriptive theories need to be accurate, and prescriptive need to be effective and efficient.

The Job Characteristics Model (JCM)

• The JCM is a work design theory that identifies five core dimensions (skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback) vital to employee motivation and satisfaction.

The Vitamin Model

• The organization is like a living organism needing nourishment (nutrients) to grow and operate efficiently.
• Motivated employees are crucial, and well-being is influenced by factors like supportive supervision, autonomy, and opportunities for interpersonal contact.

Externally Generated Goal Vs Internal Goal

• Externally generated goals (demands, task demands, and responsibilities) influence job satisfaction and employee well-being if present at optimal, reasonable levels.
• This applies to all external influences.

Bureaucratic Management

• Bureaucratic management involves a hierarchical structure with clearly defined rules.
• Key elements include clearly defined job roles, hierarchical authority, and standardized procedures.

Hawthorne Study

• The Hawthorne study highlighted the importance of social factors in workplace productivity.
• Social interactions, employee relationships, and work environment were significant factors in worker performance.

Communication

• Effective communication is vital for team building, improving employee morale, and creating a positive work atmosphere.
• Active listening, feedback, and self-expression are vital communication skills in the workplace.

Assertiveness

• Assertiveness is the ability to defend oneself while respecting others, maintaining self-control, and practicing active listening.
• Assertive people can be more effective in workplace situations.
• Assertiveness involves appropriately respecting one's rights while considering the rights of others.

Organizational Culture

• Organizational culture is the beliefs, values, and ethical practices of an organization.
• Culture shapes activities, behaviors, and responses.

Types of Organizational Structures

• Organizational structures are crucial, with different designs (functional, divisional, matrix) best for diverse situations or needs.
• The selection of the appropriate structure impacts productivity and well-being.

Leadership

• Leadership theories (like Theory X/Theory Y, situational leadership) explain how managers interact with and manage teams or individuals.

Work-Life Balance

• Work-life balance is essential, with primary interventions changing sources of workplace stress (e.g. changes in organization design) and secondary interventions to improve coping skills.

Personnel Selection

• Job analysis is crucial for understanding the specific skills, abilities, and knowledge needed to perform a role efficiently.

Conflict

• Conflict is inevitable when individuals compete for resources or have differing views.
• Properly managed conflict results in better ideas and solutions, whereas poorly managed conflict can be detrimental.