Organizational behavior is a science that studies the behavior of people (individuals and groups) in organizations. Its aim is the practical use of knowledge to improve the efficiency of a person’s labor activity (Reeve Bunn, 2013). Human behavior at work is much more complex and varied than is suggested by the “economy – safety – working conditions” scheme. Workers are much more complex objects, and a theoretical understanding of empirical research is vital before developing applied methods of managing people.
Organizational behavior represents a particular approach to management, not management as a whole. There is no doubt that the older behavioral sciences (applied and industrial psychology) have made significant contributions to organizational behavior’s theoretical and research bases. There will probably never be a general agreement on the exact meaning of the term organizational behavior, which makes the field more scientifically attractive anyway. In addition, the traditional “Human Relations” approach no longer plays a dominant role in the behavioral dimension of management.
A deep understanding of organizational behavior is critical to managing any team. Now I understand that I could have been more successful in any type of communication, knowing it before. Even being an employee, I would better understand the mood of any team and would be able to adjust it according to its common goals. This is a characteristic of competent leaders: they understand each of their subordinates. They can change people’s behavior, contributing to productive work and the prosperity of the company. This can be useful in everyday situations and during crises. Thus, a professional leader knows how to mobilize, calm down, or cheer people up in time to work more efficiently and harmoniously. Even in conflict situations, the leader will be able to find those aspects of people’s behavior that should be influenced to resolve the problem. Therefore, studying organizational behavior is a necessary activity for any manager. Only this way can a leader be genuinely effective and productive.
Reference
Reeve Bunn (2013). Intro to Organizational Behavior. Web.