Disciplines Contributing to Organisational Behaviour (OB)

Organisational Behaviour (OB) is an interdisciplinary field that studies human behaviour within organisations. It seeks to understand, predict, and manage human behaviour in the workplace to improve organisational effectiveness. Various disciplines contribute to the OB field to provide insights into how individuals, groups, and organisations function and interact.

Disciplines Contributing to Organisational Behaviour (OB) 

1. Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. In OB, psychology helps analyse individual behaviour within organisations, including motivation, perception, decision-making, and stress management. Organisational behaviour uses psychological principles to design effective training programs, assess employee satisfaction, and develop strategies for enhancing employee well-being.

2. Social Psychology

Social psychology focuses on how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by the presence and actions of others. It explores topics such as group dynamics, social influence, and leadership. In organisational behaviour, social psychology sheds light on issues, like team dynamics, communication, conflict resolution, and leadership effectiveness. It helps organisations create harmonious work environments.

3. Sociology

Sociology examines the structure and functioning of societies and social groups. In OB, sociology is concerned with the organisational structure, culture, and the impact of social norms and values on behaviour. Sociological insights help organisations understand the effects of culture on employee behaviour, diversity and inclusion, and the role of institutions and systems in shaping organisational practices.

4. Anthropology

Anthropology studies human societies, cultures, and behaviours across time and space. In OB, anthropology explores the cultural aspects of organisations, including norms, rituals, and symbols. Anthropological perspectives assist organisations in managing cultural diversity, developing cross-cultural communication strategies, and adapting to global markets.

5. Economics

Economics analyses the allocation of resources and the behaviour of individuals and firms in economic systems. In OB, economics helps understand how incentives, rewards, and decision-making processes affect employee behaviour and performance. Economic principles are used in OB to design compensation systems, incentive plans, and cost-effective HR policies.

6. Political Science

Political Science is the study of government, politics, and the exercise of power in society. Political science is relevant in the context of organisational behaviour (OB) because it helps us understand the distribution and dynamics of power within organisations, the influence of individuals and groups in decision-making, and the political strategies employed to shape organisational policies and actions. By applying political science concepts, OB professionals can navigate and manage power relations, conflicts, and the broader political context that affects organisational behaviour and effectiveness.

Absolutes in Organisational Behaviour (OB) 

In the field of OB, several fundamental concepts and principles are considered absolutes, as they consistently hold and guide organizational practices:

1. Individual Differences: People in organisations differ in terms of abilities, personalities, and values. Recognising and respecting these differences is essential for effective management.

2. Motivation and Engagement: Motivated and engaged employees are more productive. Understanding what motivates individuals and how to keep them engaged is a cornerstone of OB.

3. Leadership: Effective leadership is crucial for organisational success. Different leadership styles and approaches can have varying impacts on employee performance and satisfaction.

4. Communication: Effective communication is essential for teamwork, conflict resolution, and information flow within organisations.

5. Organisational Culture: Culture shapes employee behaviour and influences the organisation’s overall effectiveness. A positive and supportive culture can lead to better performance and employee retention.

6. Conflict Resolution: Conflict is inevitable in organisations. Understanding and managing conflicts constructively is a key skill in OB.

7. Change Management: Organisations must adapt to changing environments. Managing change, whether related to technology, strategy, or culture is a significant focus in OB.

8. Ethical Behavior: Ethical behaviour and decision-making are critical to maintaining trust and reputation in organisations. Unethical behaviour can have severe consequences.

In conclusion, the field of Organisational Behaviour draws from a diverse set of disciplines to study and improve human behaviour in the workplace. Understanding psychology, social psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics, along with recognising certain absolutes, helps organisations create better working environments and enhance their overall performance.