Human Behavior in the Organization

Part I
Chapter 1
Overview of the Science and the study of Human Behavior

Chapter 2
Personality and Culture

Chapter 3
Frustration, Stress and Burnout, Mental health and Mental Hygiene

Overview of the Science and the Study of Human Behavior

Nature of Science

Science is popularly defined as an accumulation of

systematic knowledge based on facts.
A fact is regarded as an empirically verifiable

observation.

Theory refers either to the relationships between

facts or to the ordering of terms in some meaningful way.

Without theory, science cannot predict and control the material world. The development of science is a constant interplay between theory and facts.

Overview of the Science and the Study of Human Behavior

Development of the Scientific Study of Human Behavior: -the scientific study of human behavior was only a 19th century development. -Philosophy (based on speculation and logic) was the only approach to the study of human behavior. -It is also related to Psychophysics the study of the functional relations of dependency between mind and body but which actually determined the physical characteristics of stimuli and the sensations they produce.

Overview of the Science and the Study of Human Behavior

Understanding Human Behavior: The majority of theories and models of human behavior fall into two basic categories:
Internal Perspective-considers the factors inside the person to understand behavior. This view is psychodynamically oriented. Behavior is explained in terms of thoughts, feelings, past experiences and needs of the individual. Implies that people are best understood from the inside and that peoples behavior is best interpreted after understanding their thoughts and feelings.

Overview of the Science and the Study of Human Behavior

Understanding Human Behavior: The majority of theories and models of human behavior fall into two basic categories:
External Perspective-focuses on factors outside the

person to understand behavior. External events, consequences of behavior, environmental forces which a person is subject, are emphasized by this perspective. A persons history, value system, feelings and thoughts are not very important in interpreting actions and behavior. Kurt Lewin considered both perspectives; human behavior is a function of both person and the environment.

Overview of the Science and the Study of Human Behavior

Behavioral Science: Came from two words: behavior and science. Any activity of an individual or group whether such activity can be observed by another person or detected by scientific instruments. Thus, it includes directly not only mans directly observable behavior but also the less observable feelings, thoughts, motives, attitudes, values, etc. that influence such behavior. It is also defined as the response of an individual to stimulus situation. It refers to both the types or responses and the manner in which it was made. It refers not only to what the person does, but also how he does it. A stimulus situation refers to factor, condition, situation or a combination of factors which provide the occasion for a response.

Overview of the Science and the Study of Human Behavior

Organizational behavior: Is individual behavior and group dynamics in organization. The study of organizational behavior is primarily concerned with the psychosocial, interpersonal and behavioral dynamics in organizations. Organizational variables such as design of work, performance appraisal, communication and organization structure are also relevant to the study of OB.

Overview of the Science and the Study of Human Behavior

Research and Human Behavior: The success in the study of human behavior can be attributed to research. A true scientific investigator never jumps at conclusions, never takes anything for granted, never considers his judgement better than his information and never substitute opinion or long established beliefs for facts. Things will remain a supposition until it has been proven true by searching tests.

Overview of the Science and the Study of Human Behavior

Basic steps in research:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Statement of the Problem The Research Design Obtaining Information and gathering the data Processing the data Analysis and Interpretation Writing the Final report
1. 2. 3. 4. Statement of the Problem The research design Analysis and interpretation of findings Summary, conclusions and recommendations

Overview of the Science and the Study of Human Behavior

Perspective in Behavioral Science:
Behavioral Science in Management Behavioral Science in Marketing Behavioral Science in Economics Behavioral Science in Accounting

Behavioral Science in Management

The areas in management where the behavioral sciences have contributed are: personality theory, motivation, interpersonal dynamics, group behavior, leadership, intergroup behavior, and organizational behavior. Later concepts and techniques of the bahvioral approach to management include sensitivity training, organizational development and role playing.

Behavioral Science in Marketing

Businesses depend much on advertising to effectively help the salesman convince the customer to buy a product. Salesmanship has much to do with influencing or motivating human behavior. Studies were made on human behavior in the market place, and the motives and habits of the consumer. The basis of these studies starts with the understanding of motivation.

Behavioral Science in Economics

People of the modern world live in a moneymaking society. Economics and the behavioral science are closely allied because the money value depends on the motives of man. Economics would like to have better information on the cultural and occupational choice, and of the level of savings. Answers can be provided with regard to the cultural and social influences that affect the individual economic behavior.

Behavioral Science in Accounting

Behavioral researches in management accounting can be divided into three broad categories:
1. Attempts to specify a model for all or part of the human sub-system. 2. Investigations into the behavioral dimensions of the management control process. 3. Studies from the behavioral point of view of the effect of a firms characteristics on the form and function of the management information system.