Management and organizational behaviour are two interconnected fields that work together to understand and improve the functioning of organizations.
Understanding the Relationship
- Management focuses on the process of leading and directing an organization to achieve its goals. This includes planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling resources.
- Organizational Behaviour (OB) examines the why behind human behaviour within organizations. It studies individual, group, and organizational dynamics to understand how people interact, make decisions, and respond to their environment.
How Management Uses OB
Management practices rely heavily on OB principles to effectively:
- Motivate employees: Understanding employee needs and motivations helps managers create a positive and productive work environment.
- Build effective teams: OB principles guide managers in forming and managing teams, optimizing collaboration and communication.
- Resolve conflict: By understanding conflict dynamics, managers can effectively address disagreements and foster a harmonious work environment.
- Make ethical decisions: OB principles emphasize ethical considerations in decision-making, ensuring responsible and fair practices within the organization.
Example:
Imagine a manager trying to improve employee productivity. By understanding OB principles, they can:
- Analyze employee motivation: Is the lack of productivity due to insufficient rewards, lack of recognition, or unclear goals?
- Implement motivational strategies: Based on the analysis, the manager can implement appropriate strategies like performance-based rewards, employee recognition programs, or clear goal setting.
Conclusion
Management and organizational behaviour are intertwined. Management practices rely on OB knowledge to understand and influence human behaviour within organizations, leading to improved efficiency, productivity, and overall organizational success.
