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Essentials of Organisation Behaviour/Organisation Behaviour

Notes Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

Define the term organisational behaviour
Discuss the nature of organisational behaviour
Describe the role and functions of managers

State the relevance of need for the knowledge of organisational behaviour
Have an overview over contributing disciplines to organisational behaviour

Introduction

Why do people behave the way they do? What causes different people to react differently to the
same situation? Why are some organisations more successful than others, even though they
appear to be managed in the same manner? All of these questions – and more – are the substance
of what organisational behaviour is all about.

Definition of Organisational Behaviour

Organisational Behaviour (OB) is the systematic study of the actions and attitudes that people
exhibit within organisations. It is individual behaviour and group dynamics in organisations.
The study of organisational behaviour is primarily concerned with the psychosocial,
interpersonal and behavioural dynamics in organisations. However, organisational variables
that affect human behaviour at work are also relevant to the study of organisational behaviour.
These organisational variables include job content, job design and organisational structure.
Therefore, although individual behaviour and group dynamics are the primary concerns in the
study of organisational behaviour, organisational variables are important as the context in
which human behaviour occurs.
The term ‘organisational behaviour’ is defined by Stephen P Robbins as “a field of study that
investigates the impact of individuals, groups and structures on behaviour within organisations
for the purpose of applying such knowledge towards improving an organisation’s effectiveness”.
According to this definition, organisational behaviour:

1. Is a field of study with a common body of knowledge.
2. Studies three determinants of behaviour in Organisations – those of individuals, groups
and structures.

3. Applies the knowledge gained about individuals, groups and the effect of structure on
behaviour in order to make Organisations work more effectively.

Task A student with a poor academic record wants to become a doctor, asserting that
somehow one day. It will all work out. Why so? What would you do to change his
approach?

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