Organizational Behavior

Survey Feedback as an Organizational Development Tool

The study of Survey Feedback played an important role in formation and history of Organizational Development (OD). Developed as an  organization wide intervention by Mann and his associates (1957-1965), survey feedback is a  process in which organizational members complete questionnaires on various organizational issues, receive feedback on the results, then take appropriate actions to address the critical needs and concerns.

Though some type of survey method was prevalent in various organizations earlier, Institute for Social Research (ISR) of University of Michigan, USA developed a comprehensive questionnaire for conducting survey in different aspects of an organization. The basic objectives of survey feedback method are as follows:

  1. To assist the organization in diagnosing its problems and developing action plan for problem-solving.
… Read the rest
Abey Francis

The Hawthorne Studies

The Hawthorne experiments were conducted at Western Electric’s Hawthorne plant in Illinois, running from 1924 through 1932. These experiments were intended to examine how people would react to certain conditions such as light, heat, and humidity. These variables were altered and produced both expected and unexpected results. Further trials embarked as Professor George Elton Mayo brought an academic research team into the factory, which were among the most extensive social science studies ever conducted. These investigations have been heavily criticized for merely serving the interest of management. However, these accusations can be argued. The Hawthorne investigations did not only have enormous influence on the ‘human factors’ to management but also on the development of industrial psychology and sociology.… Read the rest

Abey Francis

Organizational Behavior – Definition and Concepts

Definitions of Organizational Behavior

According to Keith Davis “organizational behavior is the study and application of knowledge about how people act within organizations. It is human tool for the human benefit. It applies broadly to behavior of people in all type of organization such as business, government, schools, etc. it helps people, structure, technology, and the external environment blend together in to an effective operative system”.

Stephen Robins defines  organizational behavior as a “field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have an organization for the purpose of applying such knowledge improving an organization’s effectiveness“.

There are many definitions about organizational behavior; every definition must include three important features, (1) organizational behavior is the study of human behavior, (2) study about behavior in organisations and (3) knowledge about human behavior would be useful in improving an organisation’s effectiveness.… Read the rest

Abey Francis

Modern Theories of Organization

Modern organizational behavior has become complex. It synthesizes the classical and neoclassical theories of organization, while incorporating technological development.  Modern theories of organization are classified into quantitative theory, system   theory and contingency theory.

1. Quantitative Theory

The quantitative theory includes operation research and quantification of the problem.   It analyses the problems from quantifiable angles and provides solutions to complex problems only with the help of statistical and mathematical models such as linear and non-linear programming, game theory, decision tree, simulation and probability.   Computers are used to solve management problems whereas mathematical models were previously used for the purpose. A large number of problems are solved with the use of simulation equations and computers.  … Read the rest

Pages: 1 2
Abey Francis

Neoclassical Theories of Organization

The classical organization theories concentrated on discipline and the economic well-being of people. They ignored their morale and desires.  Neoclassical organization theories while accepting the merits of classical theories have given more importance to human relations and behavioral sciences. The neoclassical theories of organization modified, added and extended the classical theories by realizing the fact that management exists in a social system wherein human factors have cognizant roles to perform. Employees can play crucial roles in the decision-making process.

Approaches of  Neoclassical Theories of Organization

Human Relations and Behavioral Science have become two important approaches of neoclassical theories.

1. Human Relations Theory

The human relations theory was developed by Elton Mayo and his associates from 1924 to 1932 at the Hawthrone plant of Western Electric Company.  … Read the rest

Abey Francis

Theories of Learning

Learning is an important psychological process that-determines human behavior. Learning can be defined as “relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs as a result of experience or reinforced practice”.

Important theories of learning are:

1. Classical Conditioning

The work of the famous Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov demonstrated the classical conditioning process. When Pavlov presented a piece of meat to the dog in the experiment, Pavlov noticed a great deal of salivation. He termed the food an unconditioned stimulus and the salivation an unconditioned response. When the dog saw the meat, it salivated. On the other hand, when Pavlov merely rang a bell, the dog did not salivate.… Read the rest

Abey Francis