 Introduction to OB

 Personality
 Perception
 Attitude
 Group behaviour & dynamics
 Org. design, structure, size, tech.
 Organization Development
 Leadership
 Motivation
 Reference Books…
Understanding OB – Udai Pareek
OB – Stephen Robbins
OB – Fred Luthans
OB – L. M. Prasad
OB – Suja Nair
OB – Mac.Shane
OB – Moorhead
OB – Newstrom
OB - Ashwathappa
Vijay – An MBA and ICWA
 Initially, working with the
Finance dept.
was smart, intelligent, introduced
new systems in record keeping
and cost reduction in several
areas.
After 1 year, shifted to Purchase
dept.
It was not his cup of tea but
stream-lined purchasing function
and introduced new systems.
After 2 years, shifted to stores
where he exploded before the
unit head.
Put his papers too before the unit
head, who was feeling sorry for
the situation but forwarded the
papers to VP - Finance
 VP – Finance heard him and
assured him that his interests will
be looked after…
Six months passed by, time for
promotions…
Vijay found his name missing in
the list. Met the unit head who
told him to pack his bags and
collect his dues…
There are very few things which touch
our daily life as much as the
organizations do…
 Management

• The art of getting things done

through others.

• Is a social & technical process that

utilizes resources, influences human
action & facilitates changes in order
to accomplish org. goals.
 Management
• Success or failure of the
org. depends upon the
quality of management.

• Competent mang. –
contributes to the success of
the org. whatever be the
constraints.

• Inefficient mang. –
bankrupt the org.
 Managers…
• The individuals who practice the art of
management.
• Thus, managers gather the necessary resources,
put those into proper use to meet the org. goals.
• Management Skills:
Technical skills (process)
Human skill (people)
Conceptual skill (problem solving)
 Organization

The place where managers practice the

art of management.
 How OB
comes
into
picture???
• People occupy pride of place
everywhere – Management,
Organization, Management
functions.

• People are responsible for every

minute decision taken in the org.

• Thus need to know the

behaviour to know the
behaviour of the people with
relation to the org.
 Features of OB
• OB is the study of human behaviour.

• The study is about the behaviour in

organizations.

• Knowledge about human behaviour would

be useful in improving an organizations
effectiveness.
 Definition…

“OB is the study & application of

knowledge about how people act within
organizations.
It is a human tool for human benefit. It
applies broadly to the behaviour of people
in all types of organizations such as
business, government, schools & service
organizations.”
 Definition..

“OB is directly concerned with the

understanding, prediction & control of human
behaviour in organizations.”
 Applies to…
• Intra-personal
behaviour: personality,
attitude, perception,
learning, motivation…
• Inter-personal
behaviour: group
dynamics, inter-group
conflict,
communication…
• Organization:
formations, structures,
formal & informal org.
Contributing disciplines…
 Psychology

• The science of behaviour

(animal & human).

• Greatly contributed to the

intra-individual behaviour.

• Motivation, personality,
perception, attitude, learning.
 Sociology…

• Study of group behaviour.

• Behaviour of people in
relation to their fellow
human beings.

• Leadership, group
dynamics, group
communication.
 Social Psychology…
• Borrows the concepts from both
psychology & sociology.

• Influence of people on one

another.

• The ways in which group

activities can satisfy individual
needs, group decision making
process…
 Anthropology/Political Science

• Anthropology
*Study of larger groups, societies, nations & cultures.
*culture has significant influence on human behaviour.

• Political Science
*Concerned with the structuring of conflict & usage of
power by people for self interest in org.
Nature of OB…
Is both exiting & complex…

• Exiting – provides unique

opportunities to enhance
personal & org.
effectiveness.

• Complex – deals with

people, complicate the
managers ability to
understand, appreciate &
manage people in org.
 OB is an applied field…

It applies the knowledge

gained about individuals,
groups in order to make
organizations work more
effectively.
Should not be mistaken as representing the
whole management…

• Represents only the behavioural approach

to management.

• Other approaches: process, quantitative,

systems.
 Basic Assumptions...
(common beliefs)

• There are differences between individuals -

Treating differently
• A whole person
• Behaviour of an individual is caused –
directed towards some end
• Human dignity - ethical concept
• Mutuality of interest – I belong to the org.
& the org. belongs to me