1- Intro to OB Flashcards
Organisation definition
A social arrangement for achieving controlled
performance in pursuit of collective goals. (Buchanan & Huczynski, 2010)
OB definition
The systematic study of the behaviour of
individuals and groups in organisational settings.
Organisational settings example
Usually the workplace
Ways in which OB is used
- Understand how people function in general
- Understand how specific people function e.g. self, boss
- Test theories of human behaviour
- Predict how people will react
- Manage / control self and others
- Maximise profitability / efficiency
- Empower the powerless, influence people
- Increase workplace justice
OB methods
- Observations,
- experiments,
- interviews,
- questionnaires
- surveys
- tests
- recording of behaviour
- diaries
- archives
OB scientific methods
- Correlation research
- Longitudinal studies
- Experimental studies
Correlation research
Research connection between 2 variables.
Longitudinal studies
Repeated observations of variables over time (mostly observational, casual inference typically limited).
Experimental studies
- Researcher manipulates independent variable
- Measures possible effects on the dependent variable
- All other variables constant
Theory in OB definition
An organised collection of concepts which serves to explain one or more aspect of human behaviour at work.
Role of theory in OB
Theory explains, predicts, and manipulates thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Drawback of theory in OB
People can choose not to behave in line with theory
The cycle of theory and research
Theory — Hypothesis— Research— Correlation and Experimental research— Outcome
Kurt Lewin theory for explaining behaviour
B= f(P,E)
- Behaviour is a function, or joint product, of the person and the environment.
- According to Lewin, the best way to understand behaviour is to use the scientific method.
