Organizational Behavior
Organizational Behavior
There are four key elements that contribute to organizational behavior. So let’s
take a look at examples of these at play to better understand what
organizational behavior is, how it works, and what it looks like across various
organizations.
People
People are the most important element of organizational behavior. Their
attitudes and beliefs shape how the workplace operates, and how work is
completed. For example, someone who is highly motivated and enthusiastic
about their work may inspire others to do the same.
Some employees may value timeliness over perfection and prioritize meeting
deadlines over taking care of themselves. Others might value both equally,
while still others might prioritize self-care over the other two. It’s important to
create a team of individuals who can work together effectively and efficiently,
and who possess the values and personalities that are well-suited to the job at
hand. This will help ensure that the boundaries between work and personal
life are maintained, and that goals are met in a timely manner.
Structure
The structure of an organization can influence how work is carried out. A
hierarchical system with clear roles and responsibilities, for example, may
encourage people to work together in a structured, efficient manner.
Technology
Technology can have a huge impact on organizational behavior. Automated
systems can streamline processes, making it easier for people to do their jobs.
Likewise, poorly-designed systems can easily grind production to a halt.
Have you ever been to a hospital that seems to be constantly out of essential
supplies? Or a retail establishment where the point-of-sale system reboots
every 10 minutes? These operational failures of supply chain systems can have
a massive impact on both customer and employee satisfaction. Ensuring that
your employees have the tools necessary to perform well in their roles is
critical to the overall success of the company.
External Environments
The external environment can also have a significant impact on an
organization. Economic conditions, for example, can affect the availability of
resources, while changes in the law can create new challenges. Companies
must be aware of their external environment in order to adapt and remain
competitive.
Imagine for a moment a large and highly profitable company paying a CEO
and top executives large year-end bonuses, but claiming there’s no “room in
the budget” to hire desperately needed staff or replace broken essential
equipment. Employees receive the blame and are assigned impersonal
remediation modules on how to improve performance when quotas are not
met, are assaulted by customers while on the job or experience disciplinary
action after admitting to mistakes made while overworked due to staffing
shortages. Meanwhile, the economy is trash, most of the company’s employees
aren’t paid a living wage and the benefits provided by the company are sparse
or nonexistent. Sound like a place you’d want to work?