What Is Organizational Behavior?

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There are four key elements that contribute to organizational behavior. So let’s take a look at examples of these at play to better understand what organizational behavior is, how it works, and what it looks like across various organizations.

People

People are the most important element of organizational behavior. Their attitudes and beliefs shape how the workplace operates, and how work is completed. For example, someone who is highly motivated and enthusiastic about their work may inspire others to do the same.

Some employees may value timeliness over perfection and prioritize meeting deadlines over taking care of themselves. Others might value both equally, while still others might prioritize self-care over the other two. It’s important to create a team of individuals who can work together effectively and efficiently, and who possess the values and personalities that are well-suited to the job at hand. This will help ensure that the boundaries between work and personal life are maintained, and that goals are met in a timely manner.

Structure

The structure of an organization can influence how work is carried out. A hierarchical system with clear roles and responsibilities, for example, may encourage people to work together in a structured, efficient manner.

Some organizations maintain strict hierarchies and role definitions, while others choose to adopt a less rigid, more collaborative approach. A chosen structure and its proper (or improper) management can provide workers with clarity or lead to chaos and confusion. These structural elements can dictate how effectively and comfortably employees are able to suggest changes, ask for help and escalate problems. If your organization seems to struggle with these issues and it is reflected in the behavior of the staff, it may be time to take a look at the structures in place.

Technology

Technology can have a huge impact on organizational behavior. Automated systems can streamline processes, making it easier for people to do their jobs. Likewise, poorly-designed systems can easily grind production to a halt.

Have you ever been to a hospital that seems to be constantly out of essential supplies? Or a retail establishment where the point-of-sale system reboots every 10 minutes? These operational failures of supply chain systems can have a massive impact on both customer and employee satisfaction. Ensuring that your employees have the tools necessary to perform well in their roles is critical to the overall success of the company.

External Environments

The external environment can also have a significant impact on an organization. Economic conditions, for example, can affect the availability of resources, while changes in the law can create new challenges. Companies must be aware of their external environment in order to adapt and remain competitive.

Imagine for a moment a large and highly profitable company paying a CEO and top executives large year-end bonuses, but claiming there’s no “room in the budget” to hire desperately needed staff or replace broken essential equipment. Employees receive the blame and are assigned impersonal remediation modules on how to improve performance when quotas are not met, are assaulted by customers while on the job or experience disciplinary action after admitting to mistakes made while overworked due to staffing shortages. Meanwhile, the economy is trash, most of the company’s employees aren’t paid a living wage and the benefits provided by the company are sparse or nonexistent. Sound like a place you’d want to work?

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