Understanding Organizational Behavior: Individuals, Groups, and Structure

Organizational Behavior: An Overview

Organizational behavior studies how individuals, groups, and the environment influence behavior within organizations to improve business efficiency. Adapting to individual differences is crucial for achieving organizational success.

Defining Organizational Behavior

Several authors have defined organizational behavior:

  • Stephen Robbins (1998): “A field of study that investigates the impact of individuals, groups, and structure on behavior within organizations to
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Human Behavior and Mental Phenomena

1. Introduction to Behavior and Consciousness

1.1 Behavior

Behavior is the individual’s reaction to reality. It encompasses mental processes and states, giving continuity and identity to individuals.

1.2 Intentionality and Intimacy

Intentionality is the property of mental states (beliefs, memories, desires) to refer to something. This distinguishes mental states from other states.

Intimacy refers to the direct accessibility of mental states to the subject.

1.3 Consciousness and Self-Awareness

Consciousness

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Classical Conditioning: Key Concepts and Techniques

Chapter 3: Learning Associations

Learning Object

Learn associations between different elements of an object stimulus.

Key Concepts and Techniques

Autoshaping

A variation of signal tracking.

Short Delay Conditioning

A classical conditioning technique where the conditioned stimulus (CS) begins shortly before the unconditioned stimulus (US).

Trace Conditioning

A classical conditioning technique where the US is presented after a brief period following the CS.

Inhibitory Conditioning

A classical conditioning technique

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Freud’s Psychosexual Stages & Ego Defense Mechanisms

Stages of Personality Development

Freud proposed that personality development progresses through several psychosexual stages. In each stage, libidinal energy focuses on a particular area. Successful progression leads to mature adult expression of this energy. However, excessive frustration or gratification can cause fixation, hindering adult development.

The Oral Stage

From birth to age two, libidinal energy centers on oral activities like feeding. Fixation can lead to high levels of oral activity

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Adolescent Development: A Guide to Physical, Cognitive, and Social Changes

Adolescent Development

Physical Development

Pre-Puberty

Hormonal Changes: Onset of secondary sexual characteristics (hair, breasts).

Puberty

Primary Sexual Characteristics: Development of fertility and body harmony.

Adolescence

Consolidation of previous characteristics.

Psychosexual Development

Pre-Puberty

Appearance of sexual impulses and dissociation of love and sex.

Adolescence

Integration of love and sex, and achievement of heterosexual identity.

Moral Development (Kohlberg)

Pre-Conventional (Pre-School)

Obedience

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Social Reaction and Deviant Labeling: A Critical Analysis

Social Reaction and the Labeling of Deviance

The Focus of Social Reaction or Labeling Theory

Rejecting genetic, psychological, or multifactorial explanations of crime and deviance, labeling theory emphasizes the social construction of deviance. This perspective highlights the relative nature of social norms and the impact of labels applied to those who violate them. What is deviant for one person may not be for another, and what is considered deviant in one context may not be in another.

Labeling

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