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Chapter 1 - Nature and Scope of OB
Chapter 1 - Nature and Scope of OB
OB is the study of human behavior in the workplace, the interaction between people
and the organization, and the organization itself.
The goals of OB are to explain, predict, and control behavior.
The ultimate goal of OB is to improve the performance of people, groups, and
organizations, and to improve the quality of work life overall.
Research methods in OB
Case study (subjective but provides loads of information)
Laboratory Experiment (the most scientific method)
Field experiment (experimental method applied to live situation)
Meta-analysis (quantitative review of studies that is widely used today)
Why study OB?
Development of soft (interpersonal) skills
Personal growth via insight into others
Enhancement of individual and Organizational Effectiveness The extent to which an
organization is productive and satisfies the demands of its interested parties.
Sharpening and refining common sense (common sense is often wrong)
A Brief History of OB
The Classical Approach
Scientific management was the application of scientific methods to determine the
one best way for a job to be done to increase individual workers productivity.
Frederick W. Taylor Father of Scientific Management
Scientific Management:
Standardization
Time and task study
Systematic selection and training
Pay incentives