Scope of Organizational Behaviour: Definition, Scope, and Objectives

The scope of Organizational Behaviour encompasses the understanding of individual behaviours, group dynamics and organizational structure. It is an essential aspect to learn how one behaves in an organizational setting or a professional setting, wherein there is communication and interface between human behaviour and the organization.

As the saying goes, “Human is a Social Animal,” whether interacting in a public or private setting, their behaviours play an important role in shaping the environment around them. Particularly at an organizational level humans not merely interact, but share opinions, and ideas, collaborate and compete. Thus, it is crucial to understand the scope of Organizational Behaviour of employers and employees to facilitate the smooth functioning of the organization.

Table of Contents

• What is Organizational Behaviour?
• Importance of Understanding the Scope of Organizational Behaviour
• Scope of Organizational Behaviour
• Models of Organizational Behaviour

What is Organizational Behaviour?

Organizational Behaviour is the study of how individuals and groups interact within an organization and how these interactions affect an organization's performance toward its goal or goals. The field examines the impact of various factors on behaviour within an organization.

Studying Organizational Behaviour can help assess how the employees process these changes and inculcate them into their work patterns. In addition, there are particular objectives that Organizational Behaviour fulfils or needs to be fulfilled in the workplace.

Given below are the primary objectives of Organizational Behaviour.

• Improving Employee Behaviour
• Enhances Leadership Skills
• Increases the Motivation of Employees
• Assists in Organizational Change
• Creating a Desirable Workplace Culture

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Importance of Understanding the Scope of Organizational Behaviour

The scope of Organizational Behaviour is vast and dynamic. Thus, understanding this concept is important for the better functioning of an organization.

However, many organizations remain unaware of its importance. The following are some of the reasons why  understanding the scope of Organizational Behaviour is important:

• By understanding employee behaviours employers can implement policies that support their ideologies and help induce a positive and supportive work environment.
• This can also help improve communication between employees and employers. This, in turn, reduces misunderstandings and facilitates a flow of information.
• When employers understand the scope of Organizational Behaviour they can help the employees align better with larger organizational goals and improve productivity.
• It can also help teammates work collaboratively without any conflict of ideologies.
• With the implementation of effective management practices employees are driven to improve their performance. It also supports employee development.
• By gaining deep insights into the scope of Organization Behaviour companies can achieve an overall increase in productivity and achievement of goals.

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Scope of Organizational Behaviour

A proper understanding of Organizational Behaviour can result in many positive effects on the organization and its employees. It also how people behave in and around the workplace.

But, what are the aspects of Organizational Behaviour that seem valid in a workplace? When talking about the scope of Organizational Behaviour extends to the following concepts:

Individual Behaviour

As the name suggests, the scope of Organizational Behaviour extends to studying an individual from the following aspects:

• Personality
• Motivation and incentives
• Interests, learning and development
• Attitudes and job satisfaction in an organization

Various interaction sessions and one-to-one are conducted to understand and study the individual and make a perception about them.

Group Behaviour

Group behaviour defines the way individuals are influenced by the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of others in a group. Groups can also influence people's social behaviour to fit in a particular group. This is known as group conformity; this is covered under the scope of Organizational Behaviour. Further, it involves the study of the following aspects of a group:

• The patterns of communication
• Decision-making among group members
• Distribution of leadership roles
• Cohesiveness
• Techniques used during conflict resolution

External Environment

External environments are also a huge part of Organizational Behaviour, impacting how an organization as a whole interacts when stimulated by external factors. Some of the important external factors that influence individual interactions include the following:

• Economic conditions
• Social trends and demographic changes
• Market conditions and competition
• Technological developments
• Policy changes

Organizational Structure

Lastly, but most importantly organizational structure is a driving force behind any Organizational Behaviour. Here are some factors of organizational structure that impact the employee behaviours:

• Distribution of leadership and hierarchy
• Type of organizational structure
• Workflow and coordination
• Change management and adaptability
• Clarity of roles and responsibilities

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Models of Organizational Behaviour

It is necessary to consider the employees' feelings and requirements to make them feel at ease. Only then will there be positive energy and productivity in the work environment.

This is where the implementation of specific models of Organizational Behaviour comes in. The models of Organizational Behaviour are given below:

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1. Autocratic: The model is based on power with a managerial orientation of authority. Thus, there is dependence on the boss and obedience by the employees.
2. Custodial: Under this, there is a basis on economic resources with a managerial orientation of money. But, in addition, there is a massive corporation in the form of performance results.
3. Supportive: There is leadership with a managerial orientation of support in this model. There are job performance and participation that the employees are oriented towards. Status and recognition are the employee needs that are met.
4. Collegial: Here, partnership with a managerial orientation of teamwork is followed. Responsible behaviour and self-discipline are motivated by the employees. The self-actualization needs of the employees are met.

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