Understanding an Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior involves interaction between individuals and groups. How does this interaction affects everyone in the organization becomes a big question. An effective organizational behavior strategy motivates employees to perform their best by making them an integral part of the team. When folks are driven towards a common goal, achieving success becomes a regular, yet simple exercise.

What Is Organizational Behavior?

Organizational behavior deals with the study of human behavior within groups or organizations and how this behavior can be modeled through analysis to impact the organizations in a positive way.

An organization in itself is composed of a group of people working individually or often within teams. The disposition of people towards each other in an organization remains the contributing factor towards shaping the organization. Organizational Behavior is an interdisciplinary field, in that it draws greatly from other subjects such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science and economics, to mention a few.

The success of an organization is largely dependent on effective management of its people. Behavior of people within an organization is governed by their ideas, feelings and activities. For effective management of people, it is crucial to perceive their requirements. However, since human behavior can differ with each individual, it becomes almost impossible to come with a unique solution to the organizational problems. For this reason, it is important to consider psychological and social aspects to design solutions focused on solving organizational issues.

The behavior of individuals within an organization can either defile the organization or aid in its overall improvement. For instance, certain employees may be compassionate and helpful towards their co-workers which helps to create a supportive work culture. This selfless attitude can be a result of the employee’s faith in the management and their satisfaction and commitment towards the organization.

An HR payroll software can help in stabilizing the organisation. However, an employee who no longer trusts the management or is left unsatisfied at the work front, may show antisocial behavior which can be harmful for the organization. Organizational culture is defined by the company parameters such as values, beliefs, norms and principles, visions, and behavioral expectations among many other things. Behavior of employees is highly impacted by work culture, as such it can affect them either positively or negatively.

A pro-social and supportive culture at work can be a major influence and also encourage and build an environment of selflessness. When people are encouraged, they feel more confident towards contributing ideas that might eventually benefit the organization. On the contrary, employees are more likely to hold up or not suggest any ideas at all if they feel they are going to face criticism or embarrassment. Generally, employees gain an understanding of the company’s culture through socializing with other people.

Reasons for Organizational Behavior Problems

In order to solve the organizational problems, it is necessary to first understand the reason for its occurrence. If the problems faced are due to damaging organizational behavior, it becomes crucial to recognize the purpose behind such a behavior. Only then can measures be taken to counter it and guide the organization in a progressive direction. Incorporation of new and encouraging behaviors in the company culture might prove rewarding to the employees and as such profit the company as a whole.

There are many factors that promote constructive organizational behaviour, such as accomplishments, self-actualization, encouragement, affiliation etc. Management should try to figure out the driving force that stimulates such a behavior and try to integrate more such factors in the work culture.

This can be in the form of promotions, new incentives, plans or rewards. It does not make sense to hire capable people and expect complete dedication in the absence of pro-social and rewarding company culture. In fact, people are more likely to lose interest in their work if they don’t feel recognized and rewarded.

Organizational Behavior Management is a social science as it is mostly concerned with people and behavior. It takes into account individual and group behavior and the factors that impact these behaviors. It is necessary to first understand the behavior of people constituting the organization in order to figure out how these work. The first and foremost importance of organizational behavior lies in understanding human behavior.

If the management can interpret properly the human needs within an organization, it can work towards fulfilling those needs and also chalk out new plans and incentives to satisfy the employees and boost them. In addition, the management has to understand also the reason for problematic behavior within organizations and take measures to eliminate the causes.

Influencing human behavior is another important aspect of studying organizational behavior. It helps the management to assess the reaction of employees beforehand, prior to making any changes in policies or schemes.

This way the management can come up with ways to alleviate any conflicts that may arise as a result of the change. Also, certain measures such as perks, promotions etc., can help in creating a content workplace which directly impacts employee performance in a positive way. As a whole, the organization gains hugely through analyzing and understanding organization behavior.

Importance of Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior plays a crucial role in shaping the dynamics and success of an organization. Managing organizational behavior helps in improving the performance and satisfaction of employees. Several companies employ effective engagement and management strategies to happily bring everyone in the same direction. Leaders take action and motivate their peers to do their best. By understanding human behavior within groups or organizations, leaders can effectively manage and motivate their employees, leading to improved performance and a positive work environment. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of organizational behavior:

1. Making Effective Decisions:

Organizational behavior provides insights into individual and group behavior, enabling leaders to make informed decisions. By understanding how employees think, feel, and behave, managers can create strategies and policies that align with the needs and expectations of their workforce. This knowledge helps in designing effective organizational structures, implementing appropriate reward systems, and developing communication channels that foster collaboration and productivity.

2. Understanding People in a Better Way:

A fundamental aspect of organizational behavior is understanding the needs, motivations, and aspirations of employees. Each individual brings unique experiences, skills, and perspectives to the workplace. By studying organizational behavior, managers can gain insights into individual differences, personality traits, and work styles, allowing them to tailor their leadership approaches and communication strategies accordingly. This understanding promotes empathy, strengthens relationships, and enhances overall employee satisfaction.

3. Resolving Workplace Conflicts:

Conflict is inevitable in any organization, but effective management of organizational behavior can help in resolving conflicts promptly and constructively. By understanding the causes and dynamics of conflicts, managers can identify appropriate conflict resolution strategies and create a culture that encourages open communication and collaboration. This leads to a more harmonious work environment and minimizes disruptions that conflicts can create.

4. Creating a Healthy and Progressive Workplace Environment:

A positive work environment is crucial for employee engagement, motivation, and well-being. Organizational behavior provides insights into the factors that contribute to a healthy workplace culture, such as teamwork, trust, and effective leadership. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, managers can enhance employee morale, job satisfaction, and overall organizational performance. This, in turn, reduces turnover rates and attracts top talent.

5. Alleviating Resistance to Change:

Change is a constant in organizations, and resistance to change can hinder progress and innovation. Understanding organizational behavior helps managers anticipate and address employee resistance to change. By involving employees in decision-making processes and effectively communicating the benefits and rationale behind changes, managers can reduce resistance and facilitate smoother transitions. Organizational behavior equips leaders with the knowledge and tools to manage change effectively, maintaining productivity and minimizing disruptions.

6. Creating a Flexible and Open Work Environment:

Organizational behavior emphasizes the importance of creating a flexible and adaptable work environment. By understanding the dynamics of individual and group behavior, managers can promote a culture that embraces learning, creativity, and continuous improvement. This encourages employees to take risks, explore new ideas, and contribute to the organization’s growth and innovation.

• Enhancing Employee Performance and Satisfaction:

Organizational behavior directly influences employee performance and satisfaction. When employees feel understood, valued, and supported, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. By aligning organizational goals with individual goals, managers can create a sense of purpose and meaning for employees, leading to increased motivation and productivity. Additionally, understanding the factors that contribute to job satisfaction, such as work-life balance, recognition, and growth opportunities, allows managers to implement strategies that enhance employee well-being and job satisfaction.

• Promoting Effective Leadership:

Leadership is a critical component of organizational success, and understanding organizational behavior is essential for effective leadership. By studying different leadership styles and the impact they have on employee behavior, managers can develop their leadership skills and adapt their approach to different situations and individuals. Organizational behavior equips leaders with the knowledge to build trust, communicate effectively, and motivate their teams, fostering a positive and high-performing work culture.

For the smooth functioning of processes at a workplace, management needs to create a flexible, directional, and open work environment. It is why setting the right behavior practices from the start is a must for every organization.

Conclusion Organizational behavior is a vital aspect of effective success. By studying and understanding human behavior within organizations, managers can create a work environment that fosters motivation, collaboration, and productivity. This leads to better decision-making, conflict resolution, and adaptation to change. By prioritizing organizational behavior, leaders can cultivate a positive work culture and unlock the full potential of their employees and the organization as a whole.