Definition of Organizational Behavior (OB)

Organizational Behavior (OB) can be defined as the systematic study and application of knowledge about how individuals and groups act within the organizations where they work. It is a field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organization's effectiveness.

In simpler terms: OB is about understanding people at work. It's about figuring out why people do what they do in organizations and using that knowledge to make organizations better.

Key aspects of the definition:

Systematic study: OB is not based on guesswork or intuition. It uses scientific methods to research and understand behavior. This involves developing theories, collecting data, and testing hypotheses.

Application of knowledge: OB is not just an academic exercise. It aims to apply the knowledge gained to real-world organizational problems. The goal is to use research findings to improve organizational practices and outcomes.

Individuals, groups, and structure: OB considers the behavior of individuals, how they interact in groups, and how the organization's structure affects them. It recognizes that behavior is influenced by a complex interplay of individual characteristics, group dynamics, and organizational context.

Improving effectiveness: The ultimate goal of OB is to help organizations become more effective, both in terms of achieving their goals and creating a positive work environment. This includes improving productivity, efficiency, employee satisfaction, and overall well-being.

Different authorities define OB in slightly different ways:

Stephen P. Robbins: "OB is a field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organization's effectiveness." This definition highlights the multi-level nature of OB and its focus on practical application.

Fred Luthans: "Organizational behavior is directly concerned with the understanding, prediction, and control of human behavior in organizations." This definition emphasizes the scientific approach of OB and its focus on influencing behavior.

Joe Kelly: "Organizational behavior is the study and application of knowledge about human behavior related to other elements of an organization such as structure, technology, and social systems." This definition highlights the interconnectedness of OB with other organizational factors.

Davis and Newstrom: "Organizational behavior is the study and application of knowledge about how people as individuals and as groups act within the total organization. It strives to identify ways in which people can act more effectively." This definition emphasizes the focus on both individual and group behavior, as well as the goal of improving effectiveness.

In essence, all these definitions emphasize that OB is about:

Understanding how people behave in organizations.

Predicting how people will behave in different situations.

Influencing behavior to improve organizational effectiveness.

OB is a multidisciplinary field that draws on concepts and theories from psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, and economics. This multidisciplinary nature allows OB to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics within organizations.

In conclusion, organizational behavior is a crucial field of study that helps us understand the human side of organizations. By applying the principles of OB, we can create more effective, efficient, and satisfying workplaces for everyone.