Research into organizational behavior examines how individuals and groups interact in formal settings. Additionally, it is the study of how people function and operate as a group in a company. When people talk about organizational behavior, they refer to the study and practice of how people interact and behave inside organizations (Stewart et al., 2019). As a result, the study of organizational behavior aids and encourages the growth of an understanding of the elements that could encourage and inspire workers, develop their full potential, and aid employers in establishing a solid and trustworthy connection with their employees. All four factors—the organization’s environment, technology, structure, and people—are crucial to understanding organizational behavior. Its ideas are often used to boost organizational effectiveness.
Disciplines of Organizational Behavior
Since organizational behavior draws on ideas and methods from both the social and physical sciences, it is sometimes referred to as an interdisciplinary field of study. Behavioral sciences provide the foundation for most organizational cultures. Among the many disciplines contributing to the study of organizational behavior are political science, economics, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. However, the field of organizational behavior seeks to integrate the findings of these other fields to address practical issues and capitalize on real-world possibilities. Organizational behavior’s primary goal is to boost individual and collective productivity within an organization.
Psychology
The field of research known as “organizational behavior” focuses mainly on the psychological aspects of workers’ actions in the workplace. Organizational psychology, often known as organizational or industrial psychology, has had the most significant impact on the study of management in business. Scientists researching human behavior are psychologists; organizational and industrial psychologists focus on how workers act in work situations. Organizational groups are studied, researched, and shaped using ideas from Social Psychology (Stewart et al., 2019). According to the field of social psychology, people’s actions at the workplace may be significantly influenced by factors such as the company’s methods of internal communication and the attitudes and requirements of its employees. Therefore, concepts like motivation and learning that interest psychologists are equally relevant to studying organizational behavior.
Sociology
The study of organizational behavior is also significantly tangibly influenced by sociology. Sociology focuses on gathering knowledge on how individuals act in groups, which uses scientific methods. Sociologists are concerned with studying social institutions such as families, groups, organizations, and occupational classes. In addition to various other topics, it focuses on prestige, social mobility, status, social classes, institutions, conventions, society, social behavior, and social groupings. It inquires how individuals carry themselves regarding other persons living in the same community. The contributions that sociology has made to the study of interpersonal dynamics, such as communication, group dynamics, and leadership, have been helpful to the field of organizational behavior.
Anthropology
Anthropology refers to the study of people’s connections with their environments, especially their cultural settings. Culture has a tremendous influence on the organizational structure and the conduct of people working inside such companies. An understanding of the cultural impacts on organizational behavior and the effects of social interactions, group cohesiveness, attitudes, norms, and organizational structures may be gained through the study of anthropology. The dissemination of the organization’s missions and ideals is one method that is used to socialize its employees. Anthropology has an influence on employee behavior in a variety of different ways, including management, coordination, decision-making, goal setting, interaction, and motivation.
Political Science
The field of political science has caught the attention of organizational behaviorists. Most people associate the study of government with political science. In contrast, political scientists study the dynamics of coalition formation, individual and collective decision-making, conflict, and political behavior and power. In groups, everyone wants to be seen as a leader and hold an authority position. Effective and efficient administration of personnel is facilitated by political science. Also, people’s attitudes and actions may be significantly influenced by studying their political beliefs and the policies put in place by the government.
Economics
Production, distribution, and consumption of commodities and services are other areas of inquiry for economics. Additionally, cost-benefit analysis, human resource planning and forecasting, productivity, and labor market dynamics are all areas of study for scholars of organizational behavior (Gravina et al., 2018). The state of a nation’s economy has a lasting impact on corporate culture. When workers’ financial and mental needs are addressed, they experience a surge in satisfaction and productivity. Furthermore, organizational behavior becomes crucial when enhanced productivity and superior outcomes are at stake. Some businesses use efficient methods of management to unite their workforce. Leaders instill confidence in their followers and encourage them to give everything in whatever they do.
In summation, organizational behavior is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates such disciplines as political science, economics, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. These play a significant role in ensuring businesses thrive upon integration into business practices. Likewise, they borrow from organizational practices to become effective. As noted, the disciplines will play a significant role in ensuring that leaders and managers execute their responsibilities effectively in an organization.
References
Gravina, N., Villacorta, J., Albert, K., Clark, R., Curry, S., & Wilder, D. (2018). A literature review of organizational behavior management interventions in human service settings from 1990 to 2016. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 38(2-3), 191-224.
Stewart, G. L., Courtright, S. H., & Manz, C. C. (2019). Self-leadership: A paradoxical core of organizational behavior. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 6, 47-67.
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