L1 - Unit Intro, What is OB?

Question 1

orgsnisational behaviour is..

Answer 1

field of study that..
investigates impact that individuals, groups and structures have on behaviour within organisations.
purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving organisations effectiveness.

Question 2

studying ob helps to…

Answer 2

• understand, analyse and describe what happens in organisations.
• explain and preduct human behaviour.
• understand orgs as complex comprising different groups with different perspectives.

Question 3

behavioural science

Answer 3

psychology, sociology, anthropology

external–> economics, political science

Question 4

defining organisations…

(buchanan & Huczynski (2013)

(Bratton, J(2007)

Answer 4

Organisations are social arrangements for the controlled performance of collective goals’ Buchanan & Huczynski (2013)

A socially designed unit or collectivity that engages in activities to accomplish a goal or set of objectives, has an identifiable boundary, & is linked to the external society.’
Bratton,J (2007)

Question 5

generic organisational effectiveness criteria

adapted from cameron 1996

Answer 5

• goal accomplishment
• resource acquisition
• internal proceses work smoothly
• strategic constituencies satisfied

Question 6

classical org
evolution of orgs.. 1800-1970,
industrial age

Answer 6

• orgs as machines
• rigid, hierarchical
• mass production
• focus on internal processes
• full time employees
• direct supervision

Question 7

modern orgs
evolution of orgs.. 1970-1990
technological age

Answer 7

• organisations as open systems
• deccentralised
• focus on human relations
• customization
• teamworking
• local problem solving
• manage uncertainty
• contingency approach

Question 8

post modern orgs
1990- current
information age

Answer 8

-organisation as flexible tool
-action matters, not design.
-lean, efficient, innovative
-time to market
-rules dont matter
-response orientated
networks, subcontractors

Question 9

what will effective organisations be like in future?

Answer 9

Flexible structures and processes

Change orientated cultures

Populated by knowledge workers

Innovative & ethical

Question 10

knowledge workers

Answer 10

“Non-routine” problem solving that requires a combination of convergent, divergent, and creative thinking. Reinhardt, W et al (2011).

Involves high levels of discretion, autonomy and challenge.

Question 11

conclusion effective orgs require effective…

Answer 11

people
processes and systems
culture
organisation strructure