Organizational behavior (OB) studies how individuals, groups and structure influence behavior within organizations. It examines organizations at three levels - the individual, groups, and organizational structure. OB aims to understand organizational effectiveness by studying employee behavior related to jobs, work and management. It draws from various fields including psychology, sociology, social psychology, anthropology and political science. Current challenges for managers include a diverse workforce, global competition, and improving quality, innovation and ethics.

1. ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR MAN3240 SPRING 2010

2. General Information Thursdays 5:30 – 8:30 Main 408 Kathy Deaner, Dean of Student Affairs, HarborWalk, Suite 101, 954-308-2601, [email_address]

3. OB looks at organizations from 3 levels: THE INDIVIDUAL GROUPS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

4. What is organizational behavior The study of people at work Often referred to as OB Organizational behavior is the study of how individuals, groups and structure influence behavior within organizations. By understanding how an organization behaves, their effectiveness can improve. It primarily focuses on employee behavior as it relates to jobs, work, absenteeism, turnover, productivity, performance and management.

5. “ Very little has ever been done without human organization ” Social groups are all around us – our families, our roommates, our classrooms, our companies, and our governments. Because the basic unit of the organization is the individual person, understanding organizations partially requires that we understand ourselves, and simple relationships between two people. These familiar subjects however are not as easily mastered as some believe: while multiple pop-psychology theories may sound correct ,determining which theory applies in any particular situation is the core purpose of an entire scientific discipline : Organizational Behavior

6. DEFINITIONS The study and application of knowledge about how people, individuals and groups act in organizations. The study of how individuals act as a group of individuals in an organization. A field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups and structure have on behavior within organizations, for the purpose of applying knowledge toward improving organizational effectiveness.

7. Definitions Con’t Behavior that goes on in different types of organizations The actions of individuals and groups in an organizational context. The study of actions that affect performance in the workplace A study that gives managers knowledge on how they should act in the most effective ways working in organizations.

8. Where does the study of behavior in organizations come from? Psychology Social Psychology Sociology Anthropology Political Science

9. Psychology Psychology seeks to measure, explain, and change behavior in humans and animals in an effort to understand INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOR. Psychology has influence OB by applying the theories and concepts of individuals to Organizations Examples: learning theories, personality theories, industrial psychology

10. SOCIOLOGY Sociology studies people in relation to their fellow human beings Sociology has contributed to OB by studying group behavior in organizations Examples include: group dynamics, work teams, organizational culture

11. Social Psychology Social Psychology blends concepts from psychology and sociology to focus on the influence people have on each other. The most significant contribution to OB deals with Change regarding attitudes, decision making and communication patterns

12. Anthropology Anthropology is the study of societies to learn about humans and their activities This has contributed to OB has helped to understand differences in values and attitudes among people from different backgrounds and cultures.

13. Political Science Political Science is the study of the behavior of individuals and groups within a political environment. This has contributed to OB by understanding the role of power, politics and manipulation

14. Current challenges and opportunities and why it matters? Workers come from different cultures, races and ethnic groups The typical employee is older More women are in the workplace Global competition Corporate downsizing

15. Responding to globalization Foreign Assignments Co-Workers from different cultures Jobs moving to low cost labor markets

16. Managing workforce diversity Gender Race National origin Age Disability Domestic partners Religion Manager must recognize differences and respond accordingly. As a result, we now have diversity train

17. Additional critical challenges for today’s managers Improving quality and productivity Improving customer service Improving people skills Stimulating innovation and change Balance work-life conflicts Improve ethical behavior Create a positive work environment

18. OB offers managers: Insights to Improve a managers people skills Helps mange workforce diversity Improve employee productivity Teach managers how to stimulate innovation Provide guidance on creating an ethically healthy work environment