Contributing Disciplines To Organizational Behavior (OB)
Organizational Behavior (OB) is the study of how people behave within groups in a work environment. It’s a multidisciplinary field, which means it draws from various other areas of study to better understand and improve organizational life.
Here are seven key disciplines that contribute to Organizational Behavior each explained thoroughly:
Psychology
Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.
Contribution to OB: Psychology helps us understand what motivates employees, how they perceive their work environment, and how they make decisions. For instance, psychological principles can explain why employees may feel stressed or satisfied with their jobs.
By applying psychological theories, organizations can create better training programs, improve job satisfaction, and enhance overall productivity. For example, understanding Maslow’s hierarchy of needs helps managers ensure that employees’ basic needs are met, which can boost morale and performance.
Sociology
Definition: Sociology is the study of social behavior, society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture.
Contribution to OB: Sociology focuses on how individuals interact within groups and the larger organizational culture. It helps organizations understand social structures and dynamics, such as how teams form, how leadership works within social contexts, and how organizational culture impacts behavior.
For example, sociological insights can help managers foster teamwork and understand the role of social norms and values in shaping behavior. By applying sociological principles, organizations can build stronger, more cohesive teams and create a positive organizational culture.
Social Psychology
Definition: Social Psychology blends elements of psychology and sociology to study how individuals are influenced by social interactions.
Contribution to OB: Social psychology examines how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by the presence of others. It provides insights into teamwork, communication, and leadership within organizations.
For example, social psychologists study how group dynamics influence individual performance and how social identity affects workplace behavior. By understanding these factors, organizations can improve collaboration, communication, and leadership effectiveness. This can lead to a more harmonious and productive work environment.
Anthropology
Definition: Anthropology is the study of humans, their societies, and their customs, particularly through the lens of cultural and social aspects.
Contribution to OB: Anthropology offers valuable insights into how culture impacts organizational behavior. It helps organizations understand the cultural norms, values, and rituals that shape behavior and communication.
For example, anthropological research can highlight how different cultural backgrounds influence teamwork and conflict resolution. By recognizing and embracing cultural diversity, organizations can foster inclusivity and innovation. Understanding cultural differences can help managers develop strategies that respect and leverage the diverse perspectives within their workforce.
Political Science
Definition: Political Science is the study of government systems and political activities, including the behavior and power dynamics within organizations.
Contribution to OB: Political science helps us understand how power and politics operate within organizations. It examines how decisions are made, how conflicts are resolved, and how power is distributed.
For example, political science insights can explain why certain individuals or groups hold more influence and how this affects organizational outcomes. By understanding these dynamics, managers can navigate organizational politics more effectively, leading to fairer decision-making processes and improved leadership strategies.
Medicine
Definition: Medicine, in the context of OB, focuses on occupational health and the physical and mental well-being of employees.
Contribution to OB: Medicine examines how work environments and job-related stressors impact employee health. It provides insights into how to design healthier workplaces and promote employee well-being.
Read More: Elements of OB
For example, medical research can identify the causes of work-related stress and suggest interventions to reduce it. By prioritizing occupational health, organizations can decrease absenteeism, enhance productivity, and create a supportive work environment. Ensuring employees’ physical and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining a healthy, motivated workforce.
Economics
Definition: Economics is the study of how resources are produced, distributed, and consumed, and how people make choices based on these factors.
Contribution to OB: Economics helps organizations understand how incentives, rewards, and economic factors influence employee behavior and organizational performance. It provides tools for designing effective compensation systems, optimizing resource allocation, and making cost-effective decisions.
For example, economic principles can help managers determine the best ways to motivate employees through financial incentives. By applying economic theories, organizations can ensure that their resources are used efficiently and that employees are rewarded in ways that promote productivity and job satisfaction.
Hence, the above-mentioned are the 7 key disciplines contributing to organizational behavior.
Read Next: 15 Characteristics of OB
Sujan Chaudhary is a BBA graduate. He loves to share his business knowledge with the rest of the world. While not writing, he will be found reading and exploring the world.