Question

Discuss the nature and characteristics of organizational behavior

Answer 1

Organizational Behaviour is a recent origin and developing as a separate field of study. It has properly progressed in the latter half of the twentieth century. Its present nature may be discussed as under.

1. A separate field of study - > Organizational Behaviour is a separate field of study. Many researches and analysis habve been done in this field. But it is not still accepted as a science. There is no foundation of basic concepts that may guide its development as a science. Therefore, it will be appropriate to call it a field of study rather than discipline.

2. It is

an applied science - > The aim of OB it to solve problems of organizations related with human behaviour aspect. Therefore, applied researches are concentrated, in place of fundamental researches. Though many of the researches may be carried in laboratory, but the behaviour of an individual can not be analysed so. Therefore, Organizational Behaviour is both science as well as art.
3. Goal Oriented - > Since OB is applied science it is oriented towards organizational goals. Sometimes there may be conflict of organizational goals with invidual goals. In that case, both the objectives are achieved simultaneously.

4. Interdiscipilanary Approach - > Organizational Behaviour is interdisciplinary in nature. It is based on behavioural and social sciences that contributes to the subject. It applies from this disciplines ideas that will improve the relationships between people and organization.

5. Focus

Attention On people - > OB focus the attention on people. It is based on the concept that need and motivation of the people should be given priority. if the people are given proper environment and working condition, they are creative, independent and capable of achieving organizational objectives.
6. Normative Science - > OB is a normative science. It just not only define the cause and effect relationship but also suggests, how the results of various researches can be applied to get organizational results. what acceptable by society is not defines positive science, but it is done by normative science.

From the above discussion it is clear that OB is not a discipline in itself. It draws concepts and principles from other behavioural sciences, which help in directing human behaviour in the organization.

Information technology, globalization, diversity and ethics serve as important dimensions for organizational behaviour but the people are the key factor. The technology can be purchased and copied but the people can not be. Interstingly, whereas the technology changes dramatically, some times monthly or even weekly, the human side of enterprise has not and will not change that fast..