Individual Behavior and Communication Analysis

Individual Behavior and Communication Analysis

Team B

Monday, June 16, 2008

Individual Behavior and Communication Analysis

Organizational behavior is vital in the success of any business. Organizational behavior is determined by the individual behavior of each member of the organization. This behavior should be directed by management. They can give direction to this behavior in several ways. This paper will discuss how ethical responsibility, diversity, beliefs, and perceptions affect an organizations behavior. Demographic differences, leadership, and several aspects of communication will also be discussed.

Ethics is a moral responsibility to do the right thing. It is also based on morals, beliefs, and values. Ethical responsibility directly affects an organization’s behavior. Effective ethical leaders develop a collaborative approach to setting direction, leading top-level teams, and building relationships with partners and customers (Weiss, 2006). The way that the organization views the importance of ethics, will determine which direction its individual team members view ethics. An organization can have a Code of Ethics but, unless they abide by this code, it is worthless.

Ethical responsibility, as it relates to individual behavior, is determined solely on the individual’s perception of right and wrong. One duty of the leaders is to set a standard for the organization. Communication plays an important role in setting the standard for ethical responsibility. Effective leaders must be able to communicate effectively to their organization how this organization views the importance of ethics. Communication barriers can hinder the progress of a successful business because of the fact that unethical practices can be the downfall of any organization. Larry Bumgardner discusses this in his report in the Graziadio Business Report in 2003. Larry stated that has been seen in many instances such as the fall of the well known Enron and the World Com scandal. The Enron and the World Com scandal are prime examples of unethical behavior. Congress answered this unethical practice with the implementation of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. In the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, Congress has almost forced businesses to adhere to a standard of ethics in at least one aspect of business. It would be impossible for anyone to force ethics in every instance. This is proven by the fact that it would be impossible for a person to force his moral views and values on a person. Effective leader have the ability through communication, and other methods, to persuade a person or at least set the standard for such practices.

Diversity is proactive and always imperative. It does not only become important when there is a discrimination complaint (Lieberman, 2004). Most people think of a diverse organization as a representation. Diversity is a mindset, a continuous process and a way of doing business, which is integrated into the overall business strategy. Organizations draw from the wide range of experiences and perspectives to find more creative solutions to problems and be more innovative in developing new products and services (Lieberman, 2004). The unique skills and experiences of each individual are leveraged to help make the organization and employee more successful. People from different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions and physical abilities are seen as resources for different markets. Even though organizations seek to hire employees with cultural differences, not all people within the organization will participate. According to Colella, Hitt, and Miller, 2006, associates often form groups based on their social identities, such as gender identity, racial identity, or religious identity. With all individuals given the opportunity to voice their opinion, they will see that everybody, despite their cultural background, can and will have good ideas. These people, from different cultures and backgrounds, will soon interact and share ideas and resources; as opposed to clustering with only people who look and think like them.

Beliefs, values, and attitudes vary amongst everybody. One major aspect of these situations lies among the age difference between coworkers. The environment that surrounded an individual as he or she grew up shaped their life in more ways than he or she may realize. World events, like wars and depression shape generations. So does technological change. Most people grew up with a radio and television. Others had a computer, cell phone or iPod. In the workplace, these differences often mean different values, ideas, work ethics, attitudes toward authority, and outlooks on life. Common complaints from older generations about younger generations are that they are speed-obsessed,