Organizational Behavior Study Guide
Chapter 1 – The Fields of Organizational Behavior
Levels of analysis
Individuals (micro approach)
Groups
Organizations (macro approach)
OB focuses on three interrelated levels of analysis (listed above). These three levels of analysis must be considered to comprehend fully the complex dynamics of behavior in organizations. Careful attention to all three levels of analysis is a central theme in modern OB.
Micro Approach (Individuals)
OB scientists are concerned with individual perceptions, attitudes, and motives.
In Between (Groups)
Between these two extremes and sharing characteristics of each are groups. This focuses on the phenomena of how people communicate, make decisions, and lead others.
Macro Approach (Organizations)
Field of OB also examines the organizations as a whole – the way they are structured and operate in their environments and the effects of their operations on the individuals and groups within them.
*OB seeks to improve organizational effectiveness and the quality of life at work
Theory X and Theory Y (Early twentieth century)
Theory X (traditional approach)
*In the early part of the twentieth century, bosses treated employees like disposable machines, replacing those who quit or who died from accidents with others who waited outside factory gates. Assuming that people were irresponsible, these managers held a very negative view of employees and treated workers disrespectfully.
This philosophy of management assumes that people are basically lazy, dislike work, need lots of direction, and will work hard only when they are pushed into performing.
Theory Y (modern approach)
The approach that assumes that people are not intrinsically lazy but that they are willing to work hard when the right conditions prevail is known as the Theory Y orientation. This philosophy assumes that people have a psychological need to work and seek achievement and responsibility.
*The theory Y perspective prevails within the field of OB today. It
Levels of analysis
Individuals (micro approach)
Groups
Organizations (macro approach)
OB focuses on three interrelated levels of analysis (listed above). These three levels of analysis must be considered to comprehend fully the complex dynamics of behavior in organizations. Careful attention to all three levels of analysis is a central theme in modern OB.
Micro Approach (Individuals)
OB scientists are concerned with individual perceptions, attitudes, and motives.
In Between (Groups)
Between these two extremes and sharing characteristics of each are groups. This focuses on the phenomena of how people communicate, make decisions, and lead others.
Macro Approach (Organizations)
Field of OB also examines the organizations as a whole – the way they are structured and operate in their environments and the effects of their operations on the individuals and groups within them.
*OB seeks to improve organizational effectiveness and the quality of life at work
Theory X and Theory Y (Early twentieth century)
Theory X (traditional approach)
*In the early part of the twentieth century, bosses treated employees like disposable machines, replacing those who quit or who died from accidents with others who waited outside factory gates. Assuming that people were irresponsible, these managers held a very negative view of employees and treated workers disrespectfully.
This philosophy of management assumes that people are basically lazy, dislike work, need lots of direction, and will work hard only when they are pushed into performing.
Theory Y (modern approach)
The approach that assumes that people are not intrinsically lazy but that they are willing to work hard when the right conditions prevail is known as the Theory Y orientation. This philosophy assumes that people have a psychological need to work and seek achievement and responsibility.
*The theory Y perspective prevails within the field of OB today. It