Introduction to Organisational Behaviour (OB)

What is Organisational Behaviour?

Organizational Behavior (OB) is the study of how people behave within organizations. It examines individual and group behavior, organizational culture, communication, leadership, motivation, and decision-making processes. OB helps businesses improve efficiency, teamwork, and employee satisfaction.

Key Importance of OB:

• Helps managers understand and predict employee behaviour.

• Aids in making organizations more effective.

• Enhances productivity and workplace relationships.

Definition of Organisational Behaviour

According to Raman J. Aldag:

"Organisational Behaviour is a branch of the social sciences that seeks to build theories that can be applied to predicting, understanding, and controlling behaviour in work organizations."

OB as a Behavioural Science

OB explores three key aspects:

1. Nature of Man – Understanding individual traits and behaviours.

2. Nature of the Organization – Studying the structure, culture, and dynamics.

3. Human Knowledge & Effectiveness – Utilizing behavioural insights to improve organizational efficiency.

Levels of Study in OB

• Individual Level:

  • Focuses on personal characteristics and attitudes.

  • Examines how individuals contribute uniquely to the organization.

• Group Level:

  • Studies how individuals interact with colleagues and teams.

  • Analyzes group dynamics and workplace relationships.

• Organizational Level:

• Examines the broader organization as a whole.

• Considers organizational culture, policies, and external influences.

Interaction Between Individual and Organization

No employee works in isolation; interactions happen at multiple levels:

Diagram: Individual-Organization Interaction

   External Environment
          │
          ▼
   --------------------
  |    Organization   |
  | ----------------  |
  |  Employee ↔ Team  |
  |  Employee ↔ Org.  |
  | ----------------  |
   --------------------
          │
          ▼
   External Environment

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