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Unit 2: Evolution of Management Thought

2.6 Behavioural Science Approach Notes

Under behavioural science approach, the knowledge drawn from behavioural science, namely,
psychology, sociology and anthropology, is applied to explain and predict human behaviour. It
focuses on human behaviour in organisations and seeks to promote verifiable propositions for
scientific understanding of human behaviour in organisations. It lays emphasis on the study of
motivation, leadership, communication, group dynamics, participative management, etc.
The essential characteristics of behavioural science approach are as under:
1. Data must be objectively collected and analyzed.

2. Findings must be presented so that the distinction between cause and effect, as opposed to
chance occurrences, is clear.
3. Facts must be systematically related to one another within a systematic framework. Data
collection alone does not constitute a science.
4. The findings of a study must always be open to further examination and question.
The distinguishing feature of the behavioural sciences approach is the methodology employed
in developing the research in the management discipline. The crux of the methodology lies in
the collection and analysis of the relevant data. It is in this sense that this approach differs from
the human relations approach. Further, the behavioural scientists made the following
propositions:
1. An organisation is a socio-technical system.

2. Individuals differ with regard to attitudes, perceptions and value systems. As a result,
they behave differently to different stimuli under different conditions.
3. People working in the organisation have their needs and goals which may differ from the
organisational goals. Attempts should be made to achieve fusion between organisational
goals and human needs.
4. A wide range of factors influence inter-personal and group behaviour of people in
organisations.
The behaviour school has drawn heavily on the work of Maslow. His development of need
hierarchy to explain human behaviour and the dynamics of motivation process is an important
contribution. Douglas McGregor built on Maslow’s work in explaining his ‘Theory X’ and
‘Theory Y’. Frederick Herzberg developed a two-factor theory of motivation. He made a
distinction between the factors which either cause or prevent job dissatisfaction (hygienic factors),
and those factors which actually lead to motivation (motivational factors).

In the area of leadership, Robert Blak and Jane Mouton developed and popularized the ‘Managerial
Grid’. Rensis Likert has identified and extensively researched four Management Systems ranging
from System 1: Exploitive-Authoritative to System 4 :Group Participative. Each system
characterizes and organisational climate by employing several key dimensions of effectiveness
such as communication, motivation, leadership and others.
To sum up, the behavioural sciences approach gives emphasis on increasing productivity through
motivation and leadership. The central core of this approach lies in the following aspects of
human behaviour: motivation, leadership, communication, participative management and group
dynamics. The behavioural sciences have provided managers with a systematic understanding
of one of the most critical factors in the process of management-the human element. Insights
evolving from that understanding have been used to design work situations that encourage
increased productivity. It has enabled organisations to formulate programmes to more efficiently
train workers and managers, and it has effects in numerous other areas of practical significance.

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