FEATURES OF ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR

Organisational behaviour is the study and use of information relating to the behaviour of people
at work. The majority of work takes place within the structured organisation wherein groups of
individuals put in unified common effort in the environment. People use technology to get work
done for achieving the common objectives of the organization. Therefore organisational
behavior concentrates on the individual, the group, structure, technology and environment.

Individual

Individual employees are the focal points of an organisation. They work in the organisation to
satisfy their needs, egos and experiences. Each employee has his own physical, psychological
and social needs for which he uses his own traits and experiences. His work behaviour is
influenced not only by his biological inheritances but is also affected by his interactive
environment, viz. family relationships, racial background, social setup, religious beliefs,
technological innovations and so on. Individuals are made up of all these factors, although they
have their own perceptions, learning and personality to shape their behaviour. Their desires,
needs, wants, attitudes) drives, goals and experiences have specific work behaviour. Individual
behaviour can be unfolded by studying and understanding individuals in the above context. It
requires knowledge of psychology and sociology. There may be a number of psycho-social and
economic factors shaping human behaviour at work. The study, research and us: of these
factors help management to mould and modify the behaviour of employees for achieving
organisational objectives through increasing their efficiency and effectiveness.

Group

People at work consist of individuals and groups. Individual behaviour and group behaviour are
distinctively observed in arr organisation. Group performance is more effective than individual
performance. This synergy is observed in group behaviour. The organisation consists of formal
and informal groups, large and small groups, official and unofficial groups. Groups are dynamic,
changing, forming. and disbanding. A knowledge of sociology, anthropology, political science
and philosophy is helpful to study group behaviour. Group dynamics has become a useful force
in leadership, morale building and personal relations. The group is a separate entity that needs
to be studied and researched. It is an accepted fact that a group sets goals, behaves, thinks and
acts. Groups have synergy and synthesis as compared to the energy and mentality of an
individual. If group power is channelised towards goal achievement, it can put in an outstanding
performance.

Structure

The formal relationships of people forms the structure of an organisation. Different jobs and their
construes and the employees assigned to these jobs are formally related. The methods of
establishing the relationship shape the behaviour of employees either individually or in a group.
For example, the managers, the office staff, the workers and the other people in the
organisation have to be related in some structural way so that their work can be effectively
coordinated and controlled. The structural relations are instrumental in the behaviour of
employees at work. The structured relationship is the basis of formalised policies, procedures,
organisational culture, hierarchical authority and responsibilities.

Technology

Technology has its own behaviour and functions. It has a significant influence on work, the work
environment and working relationships. Better work is a source of satisfaction to the employees.
Technology results in better work, because it incorporates technical skills which encompass the
ability to apply specialised knowledge. When people develop their technical skills, they get
satisfaction at work. Interpersonal roles, informational roles and managerial functions are
improved with the use of technology. Consequently, human skills as well as conceptual skills
are developed. The use of scientific methods and research techniques are helpful for
understanding technological
behaviour.

Environment

The internal and external environment of the organisation creates a certain type of work
behaviour. It may be favourable or unfavourable for efficient performance of the organisational
activities. The environment has its own behaviour which influences the people’s behaviour at
work. Government policies, social systems, religious beliefs, family, and economic conditions,
national philosophies, employees’ psychology and other factors inside and outside the
organisation have a mutual influence on each others behaviour. The-behaviour of an
organisation cannot be segregated from the behaviour of the environment. It influences the
perception and personality of people, working conditions, productivity and proficiency,
individuals inside and outside the organisation. Environmental factors influence work behaviour,
use of authority and responsibility, relationships, the perceptual framework of employees and
other related factors of behaviour.