Organizational Behaviour Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the four principles of scientific management proposed by Frederick W. Taylor?

Select and recruit workers based on their social skills

Scientifically study each part of the job and develop the best method (correct)

Ensure workers have a flexible work schedule

Focus on team-oriented projects over individual tasks

What key concept originated from the Hawthorne experiments?

Job satisfaction theory

Time-and-motion efficiency

Emotional intelligence in leadership

Hawthorne effect (correct)

Which of the following best describes the focus of the human relations movement?

Understanding and addressing employee needs and relationships (correct)

Implementing standardized training programs for all workers

Improving management efficiency through strict regulations

Enhancing employee productivity by developing technology

What is one of the emerging concerns in organizational behavior today?

Technological changes Signup and view all the answers

Which area is not highlighted as interdisciplinary in the late 20th century development of organizational behavior?

Chemistry Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines an organization?

A deliberately arranged group aimed at achieving specific goals Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the fundamental assumptions of organizational behaviour?

Disparity exists between organizational and individual goals Signup and view all the answers

Which level of organizational behaviour deals primarily with team dynamics and leadership?

Group processes Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to study organizational behaviour?

To understand and predict employee behaviour and plan interventions Signup and view all the answers

Which application of organizational behaviour aims to enhance employee performance?

Improving quality of work-life Signup and view all the answers

In the context of organizational behaviour, what does motivation refer to?

The underlying force driving human actions at work Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following areas does historical development in organizational behaviour include?

Applied psychological techniques in industrial settings Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'organizational culture' refer to in the levels of organizational behaviour?

The shared values and beliefs within an organization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Organization, Behaviour and Organizational Behaviour

Organization: A consciously coordinated social entity with identifiable boundaries, functioning on a continuous basis to achieve a common goal or set of goals.
Behavior: The response of an organism or system to internal or external stimuli, whether conscious or subconscious, overt or covert, and voluntary or involuntary.
Organizational Behaviour (OB): The study of human behaviour at work, encompassing individual, interpersonal, and group dynamics. It is a multidisciplinary field.

Basic Assumptions of OB

Organizations consist of people.
People are motivated and their motivation impacts their effectiveness at work.
There can be discrepancies between organizational goals and individual goals.
The impact of policies and procedures on employees is not always predictable.

Fundamental Ideas

Each individual is unique.
Employees play multiple roles.
Motivation is a driving force.
Human dignity is a key consideration.

Levels of Organizational Behaviour

Organizational Processes: Focuses on change management, organizational culture, and climate.
Group Processes: Analyzes team dynamics, conflict resolution, leadership styles, power dynamics, and politics within organizations.
Individual Processes: Examines perception, personality, attitudes, and motivation of individual employees.

Why Study OB?

Understand and predict employee behaviour.
Plan for effective interventions to improve workplace dynamics.

Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management

OB principles inform the practices of Human Resources Management (HRM).

Applications of OB

Improving the quality of work-life for employees.
Enhancing employee performance.
Increasing organizational effectiveness.

Historical Developments of OB

Industrial Psychology: Applying psychological principles in an industrial setting.
- Walter Dill Scott (1869-1955): Contributed to the application of psychology in advertising and sales.
- Edward K Strong Jr.: Developed tools for vocational guidance and training, including the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory.
- Hugo Munsterberg (1863-1916): Pioneer in researching workplace accidents and wrote the book “Psychology and Industrial Efficiency.”
World Wars and Industrial Psychology: Increased focus on using psychological principles for workforce efficiency and morale during wartime.

Scientific Management Movement

Frederick W. Taylor: Advocated four principles of scientific management:
- Scientifically Studying Jobs: Analyzing each part of a job to identify the most efficient method.
- Selecting and Training: Choosing and training workers using scientifically developed methods.
- Cooperation: Collaborating with workers to ensure they use the best methods.
- Division of Work: Clearly separating management responsibilities from worker responsibilities.
Incentives for Increased Productivity: Implementing reward systems to motivate workers to increase production.

Human Relations Movement

Great Depression: High unemployment and social unrest led to increased focus on employee well-being.
Rise of Trade Unionism: Workers organized to advocate for better working conditions and wages.
Hawthorne Experiments: A series of studies conducted at the Western Electric Hawthorne plant:
- Illumination Studies (1924-27): Initial research on the impact of lighting on worker productivity.
- Relay Assembly Test Room Study (1927-1932): Examined the effects of changes in work conditions, including rest periods and shorter workdays, on performance.
- Bank Wiring Observation Room Study (1931-1932): Focused on the social dynamics of a group of workers and their influence on productivity.
- Hawthorne Effect: The observation that workers' behaviour can change due to the mere fact of being observed.

Late 20th Century

OB became interdisciplinary, drawing knowledge from:
- Psychology: Understanding individual behaviour.
- Sociology: Analyzing group dynamics and social structures.
- Communication: Exploring how information is transmitted and received in organizations.
- Anthropology: Investigating cultural influences on organizational behaviour.

Emerging Concerns

Technological Changes: The rapid pace of technological advancement impacting work processes and employee skills.
Globalization: Increased interconnectedness and diversity within organizations, requiring adaptability and cultural sensitivity.
Cultural Diversity and Teamwork: Managing a diverse workforce effectively, fostering inclusivity, and promoting communication and collaboration.
Ethical Management and Corporate Social Responsibility: Focus on ethical decision-making, transparency, and responsible business practices that consider environmental and social impacts.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in Organizational Behaviour, focusing on the definitions of organization, behaviour, and the dynamics within workplaces. It presents fundamental ideas about motivation, individual roles, and the interplay between organizational and personal goals.