Core Concepts of Organizational Behavior and Human Dynamics
Understanding Human Behavior in Organizations
The Unique Nature of Individuals
All human beings are unique and unrepeatable. No two people are alike in this world. While we share many similarities that bring us together, we also individually differ.
Individual Differences
There are basic or fundamental concepts of organizational behavior that we must always keep in mind to understand our own behavior and that of others within the organization.
The Concept of the Whole Person
As people, we are an integrated whole. We are body, mind, emotions (or feelings), and spirit. We have a personal life, emotional life, family life, etc. Companies may wish to hire only the mind and hands of people; however, they receive the complete package. A problem in any area of our lives or one of our systems affects the performance of other parts of our being.
Motivated Behavior
The behavior of people always obeys the motivation to meet their needs. We might ignore the need that lies behind a person’s behavior, but that does not mean it doesn’t exist. People are motivated not by what they think they should do or have, but by what they really want or need—whether material, emotional, or spiritual.
Value and Human Dignity
All individuals aspire to be and feel “someone.” Nobody likes to be trampled on, go unnoticed, or be ignored. The most precious gift that man has is his Dignity. Nothing can, and nothing should, go against that dignity.
This ethical claim confirms that people should be treated differently than other elements of production, for the simple reason that they belong to a higher order in the universe. The shameful period of slavery, in which one man subjected another by force or power, is no longer justified in the civilized world. Human decisions cannot and should not ignore the value of people.
The Nature of Organizations
Organizations as Social Systems
Organizations are social systems governed by sociological and psychological principles. They contain two types of systems:
- Formal Systems: The formal organization or structure.
- Informal Systems: The informal organization or informal groups.
Organizations are dynamic social systems. All parts of the system are interdependent and influence each other. All elements are interrelated and interact with the context surrounding the organization.
Visible and Hidden Organizational Aspects
Organizational aspects can be categorized:
Visible Aspects:
- Strategy
- Objectives, Policies, and Procedures
- Structure
- Technology
Hidden Aspects:
- Attitudes
- Perceptions
- Group Norms
- Informal Interaction
- Interpersonal Conflict between Groups
- Chain of Command
Mutual Interest Between People and Organizations
When people become members of the organization, they bring their own goals, just as the organization pursues its goals and objectives (business). To achieve their goals, organizations need people, in the same way that people require organizations to meet their individual goals. The interest of both parties must find a matching point, becoming a mutual interest where both gain through higher targets generated by the integration of people and the organization.
Foundations of Organizational Behavior
Biographical Characteristics
Biographical characteristics available in personnel records include age, gender, and marital status. Studies conclude that:
- Age seems to have little relation to productivity, but older workers tend to quit less.
- Married employees often show less absenteeism and turnover, and report higher job satisfaction than single individuals.
These data can be useful when hiring an employee.
Skills and Performance
An employee’s ability directly influences their level of performance and job satisfaction, particularly their ability to adapt to the specific job requirements.
Productivity Metrics
Key metrics related to biographical characteristics (age, gender, marital status) include:
- Productivity
- Absenteeism
- Turnover
- Satisfaction
Defining Personality
Personality is a set of characteristics that define and identify a person and establish their difference from others. To be more scientific in defining personality, let’s base ourselves on Gordon Allport’s definition:
“Personality is the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustments to his environment.”
Definition: Personality is the sum total of the ways in which an individual reacts and interacts with others.
Personality Traits
Personality traits can be categorized into three main types:
- Physical (Biological): Such as race, height, complexion, hair type and color, eye type and color, and distinguishing marks (e.g., moles, warts, scars).
- Psychic (Psychological): Such as temperament, character, and intellectual capacity.
- Socio-Cultural (Axiological): Such as education, culture, beliefs, and values.
Two factors have a decisive influence in shaping our personalities: Heritage and the Environment.