Course Overview: Organizational Behavior
Introduction to Organizational Behavior
Organizational behavior (OB) studies how individuals and groups act within
organizations. Understanding OB is crucial for effective management and
improving workplace dynamics .
Key Theories and Principles
Scientific Management Theory: Proposed by FW Taylor, this theory emphasizes
efficiency and productivity through systematic management practices .
Human Relations Movement: Stresses the importance of understanding human
behavior and the social aspects of work, highlighting that people are not just
resources but individuals with needs and motivations .
Understanding Behavior in Organizations
Types of Behavior: There are two categories of behavior in organizations:
1. Art: Relates to the emotional and subjective aspects.
2. Cart: Pertains to the structured and objective aspects of behavior .
Perception in Organizational Behavior
Definition of Perception: Perception is the process by which individuals select,
organize, and interpret stimuli to create a meaningful picture of their environment
.
Influence of Experience: Past experiences shape how individuals perceive
situations. For instance, a civil engineer may notice structural issues in a bridge
that others overlook .
Differences in Perception
Different departments within an organization may perceive the same situation
differently. For example, while workers may view digitalization as a threat,
management may see it as a way to improve efficiency .
Sensation vs. Perception
Sensation: Refers to the immediate response of sensory organs to stimuli (e.g.,
feeling cold water) .
Perception: A more complex process that involves interpreting and giving
meaning to those sensations based on psychological factors such as learning and
motives .
Subprocesses of Perception
Page 1 of 3
1. Selection: Choosing which stimuli to focus on.
2. Organization: Structuring the selected stimuli into a coherent pattern.
3. Interpretation: Making sense of the organized stimuli .
Factors Affecting Perception
Internal Factors: Include personal experiences, motivations, and personality
traits.
External Factors: Include the intensity, size, contrast, motion, repetition, novelty,
and familiarity of stimuli .
Examples of Perception Influences
Intensity: Bright colors or loud sounds attract more attention than muted ones .
Size: Larger objects are more likely to be noticed than smaller ones .
Contrast: Stimuli that stand out from their background receive more attention .
Repetition: Frequent exposure to a stimulus increases its likelihood of being
noticed .
This summary provides a structured overview of the key concepts in organizational
behavior, focusing on perception and its impact on workplace dynamics.
Perception in Organizational Behavior
Key Concepts
Perceptual Selectivity: The process by which individuals focus on certain stimuli
while ignoring others. Familiar objects in new situations can draw attention due to
perceptual selectivity .
Familiarity: Familiar objects or people are easier to identify, even in crowded or
unfamiliar settings .
Internal Factors Affecting Perception
Learning: Self-concept and learning experiences shape perceptual sets. For
instance, training can enhance recognition of important stimuli, such as road signs
.
Motivation: Strong desires, such as hunger or thirst, can enhance learning and
perception .
Perceptual Mechanism
1. Selection: Choosing relevant stimuli from the environment.
2. Organization: Structuring selected stimuli into a coherent whole. This can be
influenced by principles such as:
Figure-Ground: Distinguishing the main object (figure) from the background
(ground) .
Page 2 of 3
Grouping: Organizing stimuli based on proximity or similarity .
Principles of Organization
Simplification: Reducing complexity by focusing on significant information .
Closure: Filling in gaps in incomplete information based on past experiences .
Interpretation and Output
After organizing stimuli, individuals assign meaning, which can lead to behavioral
outcomes. For example, observing a celebrity using a product can influence
consumer behavior .
Interpersonal Perception
Understanding how individuals perceive each other is crucial in organizations.
Smooth interactions occur when expectations about others' actions are met .
Perceptual Errors
Stereotyping: Judging individuals based on group characteristics, which can lead
to distorted perceptions .
Halo Effect: Evaluating a person based on one prominent characteristic, such as
appearance .
Attribution: Assigning causes to behaviors, often attributing others' successes to
external factors while blaming personal failures on internal factors .
Improving Perceptual Skills
Enhancing self-concept and developing positive attitudes can lead to better
interpersonal perceptions. Listening skills and empathy are also crucial for
accurate perception .
Application in Management
Managers can improve relationships and decision-making by understanding
perception dynamics. Clear perceptions can enhance employee selection and
performance appraisals .
This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of perception in organizational behavior,
highlighting how perception affects interactions and decision-making within
organizations.
Page 3 of 3
