What Is Organizational Behavior?

What is organizational behavior? Organizational Behavior (OB) is a field of study investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations, for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving and organization’s effectiveness and efficiency. Managing organizational behavior challenges individuals to understand and embrace workforce diversity, elements of change, effective communication, and performance systems. (Apollo Group, Inc. [AGI], 2004) Organizational behavior focuses on its organizational culture and learning, as well, which are all elements that affects organization’s success.

An organizational culture is the body make up of an organization. It deals with the personality of the organization. The organizational culture defines the purpose, mission, values, and strategies of the corporation. The mission statements of an organization, defines the organizations fundamental reason for existence and establishes the scope of its business. The mission statement exemplifies a sense of purpose and vision of direction that promotes strategies for future aspiration. A strategy is a comprehensive plan that guides organizations to operate in ways that allow them to out perform their competitors. (Schermerhorn, Jr., Hutn, & Osborn, 2005, chap1) Through the organizational culture the foundation is set for the functional process of the organization existence to begin.

The flow of ideas back and forth between individuals is communication. Organizations are made up of different people and cultures, and through diversity are able to build a stronger and more cohesive workforce and explore the multitude of ideas and view points. Different views, points of opinions, suggestions, questions, and theories communicated bring about opportunities. Most experts on organizations, management and leadership, assert that effective communication is the foundation for effectiveness in any type of organization. (McNamara, 1999)