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1. Basic Assumptions of OB

2. Basic Assumptions of OB
 Every field of social science has a philosophical
foundation of basic concepts that guide its
development.
 OB has also certain basic assumptions revolving
around the nature of people and the nature of
organization.
A. Nature of the people
1. Individual differences
2. A whole person
3. Caused behavior
4. Value of the person
B. Nature of the organization
5. Social System
6. Mutual interest

3. The nature of people
• 1. Individual Differences
• 2. A whole person
• 3. Caused Behavior
• 4. Value of the person
The nature of organization
• 5. Social System
• 6. Mutual Interest

4. Nature of the people
1. Individual differences
 Every individual in the world is different from all others.
 The idea of individual difference comes originally from
psychology.
 Individual may differ in physical characteristics,
intelligence, aptitudes, attitudes, personality, skills and
so on.
 Such differences may affect on the job behaviors of
employees so managers need to consider these
differences.
 Therefore, every person should be selected, trained and
treated on the basis of what the kind of person s/he is.

5. 2. A whole person
 An employees personal life is not detached from his
working life.
 When an employee comes to the work station as a
complete person, s/he has his/her background,
sentiments, emotions, feelings etc. which can not
be separated from the skills they are using in the
job.
 Therefore, the manager need to help an all –round
development of the man rather than a particular
aspects of a person.

6. 3. Caused behaviors
 According to psychologists, human behavior is caused, motivated
and goal directed.
 People’s behavior is caused by needs which can be directed and
controlled in order to get desired results.
 Therefore, managers need to motivate employees, and determine
what managerial action satisfy human needs and what actions
threaten their need fulfillment.

7. 4. Value of the person
 This concept tells that employees should be treated
differently as compared to other resources in the
organization.
 People’s feelings, sentiments, aspiration skills etc.
should be recognized in the organization.
 People should be treated with respect, dignity and
equity not should be treated like an animal or a
machine.