This document introduces the topic of organizational behavior and defines some key terms. It discusses that OB draws from several disciplines like psychology, social psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics. OB uses the scientific method to form and test hypotheses about how things are usually done in organizations and how they could be done best. It examines outcomes like productivity, absenteeism, and turnover, and looks at individual, group, and organizational factors that influence these outcomes. Contingency theory holds that the best approach depends on situational factors. Understanding OB can help you understand how people respond to situations and get others to do what you want. Key trends affecting organizations today include technology changing work structures, increasing internationalization, and more diverse workforces

1. Introduction to Organizational BehaviorDefinitions, Fields , and What We Will Study

2. What IS an Organization?Group of people Working together With a common purpose

3. Which of these would be an organization?United Way (non-profit charity)Scout troopCrowd cheering on home team at a football gameStudent work team in a college classNeighbors doing a one-day park clean upPeople lined up to purchase concert ticketsRoadies setting up the equipment for the concert

4. Disciplines Contributing to OBPsychologySocial PsychologySociologyAnthropologyEconomics

5. OB and Systematic ResearchOB involves using the scientific method to form and test hypotheses aboutHow things are usually done in organizations

6. How things might be done best Sometimes we read will seem like plain old common sense , but sometimes our gut instincts are dead wrong. That’s what the scientific research is for.

7. Some Key Outcomes (dependent variables) Studied in OBProductivityAbsenteeismTurnoverDeviant Behavior (Workers being bad)Organizational Citizenship (Workers being extra good)Job Satisfaction and Commitment

8. Things We Think Cause These Outcomes (Independent variables)Individual characteristics (personality, demographics, values, attitudes, abilities, perceptions, motivation, learning, decision-making)Group characteristics (group decision-making, leadership, power and politics, communication, conflict, group structure and norms)Organizational characteristics (culture, structure, design)

9. Contingency TheoryIs there 1 best way to do most things, or does it usually depend on the situation? Many managers and OB researchers believe that the best way to do things depends on the situation.Contingency theory holds that the right approach is contingent on situational factors.Most OB research is based on the notion that results “depend” on how some complex factors combine. We’ll look at those contingencies.

10. Why should YOU study organizational behavior?You’ll understand more about how you and the people around you respond to situationsYou’ll be able to use basic human tendencies to get others to do what you wantResearch shows that EQ is even more important than IQ for success in businessMost managers in executive MBA programs ask for more, more, more OB because getting people to do things is the most critical part of their jobs!

11. What are some key trends affecting organizations and their behavior today?