Skip to main content
Business LibreTexts

1: Introduction to Organizational Behavior

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF
  • Page ID
    48551

    • \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\dsum}{\displaystyle\sum\limits} \)

    \( \newcommand{\dint}{\displaystyle\int\limits} \)

    \( \newcommand{\dlim}{\displaystyle\lim\limits} \)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    ( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)
    Learning Objectives

    Describe the field of organizational behavior and discuss its relevance to the workplace

    • Describe the general history of management theory and practice and frame how organizational behavior has developed from these into a discreet field.
    • Describe organizational behavior and differentiate between the three levels of influence
    • Describe contemporary issues and topics in organizational behavior

    • 1.1: Telecommuting
      This page discusses the impact of telecommuting on organizational behavior, outlining its benefits such as flexibility, work-life balance, and improved job satisfaction, which can boost productivity and retention. It also addresses challenges like distractions, isolation, and management difficulties. The text stresses the need for clear policies to tackle these issues and enhance team dynamics and morale. Overall, with careful planning, telecommuting can be beneficial for organizations.
    • 1.2: Green Business Practices
      This page discusses the shift towards sustainability and green practices in businesses, contrasting past industrial methods with current environmental priorities. It emphasizes the need for changes in organizational behavior and cooperation at various levels, using Starbucks as an example of adapting operations for sustainability. The text acknowledges the challenges in implementing sustainable practices, highlighting the importance of commitment and continual dialogue within organizations.
    • 1.3: Outsourcing
      This page discusses outsourcing as a contentious practice in the U.S., primarily due to job preservation concerns. Companies pursue outsourcing for cost reduction and profit enhancement, aided by modern technology that supports international collaboration. It brings benefits like diverse expertise but also challenges regarding consistency and employee relationships. Overall, outsourcing profoundly impacts organizational behavior.
    • 1.4: Workforce Generations
      This page discusses the distinctions among Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y (Millennials), and Generation Z regarding their influence on workplace dynamics. Baby Boomers emphasize hard work, Generation X values work-life balance, Generation Y is focused on goals and efficiency, and Generation Z is tech-savvy. Despite these generational differences, common values like family importance and the need for training and feedback exist.
    • 1.5: Putting It Together- Introduction to Organizational Behavior
      This page emphasizes the importance of organizational behavior in developing workplace culture and efficiency. It compares two companies: Manuel’s inclusive software firm, which thrives by prioritizing organizational behavior, and Rachel’s accounting firm, struggling with high turnover due to its deadline-driven approach. The content highlights the need to understand historical and current trends in organizational behavior, urging readers to further explore its complexities.
    • 1.6: Discussion- Introduction to Organizational Behavior
      This page discusses Workplace Solutions Consulting LLC's collaboration with Informational Systems Inc. to address organizational changes amid rapid market shifts. The project focuses on improving relations within a multi-generational workforce in software development, highlighting friction among Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials, exacerbated by growth from acquisitions.
    • 1.7: Assignment- Management Theory Timeline
      This page discusses Open Pedagogy Assignments that promote student creativity and collaborative knowledge creation. In an Organizational Behavior course, students will summarize management theories and their historical impacts in groups, enhancing learning for future cohorts. Educators are encouraged to compile these works to connect cultural shifts with management practices, facilitating a collaborative learning environment across terms.
    • 1.8: Assignment- Relationships Between Management Theory and Organizational Behavior
      This page outlines an Open Pedagogy assignment where students create informal video artifacts to analyze management theory and organizational behavior. By answering two out of three questions, students deepen their understanding while promoting creativity and peer learning. Educators are encouraged to support students and incorporate previous videos in future course discussions.
    • 1.9: Why It Matters- Introduction to Organizational Behavior
      This page emphasizes the influence of organizational behavior on workplace performance and employee satisfaction through the experiences of two professionals, Manuel and Rachel. Manuel flourishes in a supportive team environment, while Rachel struggles in a pressured, understaffed setting. The contrast underscores the need for a positive workplace culture, which enhances performance alongside operational metrics. Understanding what motivates individuals and teams is crucial for career success.
    • 1.10: Introduction to Management Theory and Organizational Behavior
      This page discusses the significance of management theory as a foundational aspect of organizational behavior. It highlights the evolution of organizational behavior from management theories, reflecting societal changes over time. The section emphasizes the connection between these two disciplines and aims to contextualize the development and importance of organizational behavior as a distinct field.
    • 1.11: History of Management Theory
      This page discusses management theory as a set of insights that assist managers in fostering team support and achieving goals. It highlights the importance of focus, communication, and adaptability, recognizing the necessity of diverse theories for different situations. The Industrial Revolution significantly influenced its development, leading to new management strategies to effectively manage larger teams.
    • 1.12: Different Management Theories
      This page discusses how individualized management approaches enhance productivity and job satisfaction, examining key management theories from the Industrial Revolution such as Scientific, Administrative, Bureaucratic, Human Relations, General Systems Theory, and X&Y Management. It highlights the importance of individual professional development and the relevance of Theory Y in modern business.
    • 1.13: Management Theory and Organizational Behavior
      This page outlines the development of organizational behavior, beginning with the Industrial Revolution and early management theories. It covers Taylor’s Scientific Management and its limitations regarding human relations, the emergence of the human relations movement from the Hawthorne Studies, and McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y on motivation.
    • 1.14: Introduction to Organizational Behavior as Its Own Field
      This page highlights the learning goals for understanding organizational behavior, including its definition, significance, and impact within organizations. It stresses the importance of management theories in relation to organizational behavior and emphasizes that mastering these concepts is crucial for course success. The content is provided by the Freedom Learning Group and Lumen Learning under a Creative Commons license.
    • 1.15: What is Organizational Behavior?
      This page discusses organizational behavior, focusing on the psychological impact of human behavior within organizations rather than just numerical aspects. It explores the interaction between individual behaviors and organizational dynamics, evolving from philosophical roots to a formal academic discipline during the Industrial Revolution.
    • 1.16: Three Levels of Influence
      This page discusses the three levels of influence in organizations: individual, group, and organization. It highlights how individual behavior affects group dynamics and workplace culture, examines interpersonal interactions within groups, and explores the organization’s overall impact on individuals and groups. Recognizing these interconnected levels is crucial for creating a positive and productive work environment.
    • 1.17: Introduction to Contemporary Issues
      This page emphasizes the significance of understanding contemporary issues in organizational behavior, particularly how societal changes affect organizational culture and operations. It will address current workforce challenges and their implications for individuals, groups, and organizations, underscoring the relevance of these issues in real-world workplace environments.

    This page titled 1: Introduction to Organizational Behavior is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lumen Learning.