Organizational Behavior Concept

Organizations are not simply groups of people that work together to achieve a common goal but have many distinct underlying concepts and dynamics that move the organization towards the shared goals. Individual organizations can be studied in a myriad of ways. Some of the underlying dynamics of organizations can be seen in an organization's behavior, culture, diversity, and other qualities like the organization's ethics. These can also include communication and the organization's change management.

Starting with “organizational culture” which examines at the overall dynamic in an organization and how it drives day to day activities. Organizational culture can loosely be defined as the shared assumptions, beliefs, and "normal behaviors" of a group. (Toolpack, 2005). Much of the organizational culture stems from the upper-management and filters down to the front-line workers. Upper-management provides the underlying thought from which the organization operates. Is management ethical? Concerned about employees? Do they aim for the best for the organization and it's employees? Or is fulfilling the bottom line enough? Managers and workers down the line take the example of management's answers to those questions and more. If a manager is willing to cut corners it is likely that this example will imitated by others in the organization. Management can also transmit the organization's culture directly by having specialized training. The collective understanding of the organization is formed and the organizational culture is developed.

The way people in the organization work within the organization is termed organizational behavior. It involves the actions of individuals and groups in an organizational context. Individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors determine the behavior and the ultimate value of an organization’s people. (Schermerhorn, Hunt, & Osborn, 2005). Good managers attempt to use behavior within the organization to harness the best potential of the people and groups within the organization while simultaneously minimize any negative behavior. Study of organizational behavior can lead to an understanding of the current dynamic giving a starting point from which to improve organizational behavioral leading to more strategic value and organization success.

In a university textbook on management states that “a diverse workforce has become not only a legal or moral obligation, but a fundamental business requirement as well.” (Bateman & Snell, 2004). As business is increasingly global being able to manage a diverse workforce is a strategic asset for many organizations. Managing a diverse pool of employees implies that a good manager is sensitive enough to work with an array of different peoples. A diverse workforce within an organization can also lead to a higher human capital value, especially in an organization that is truly global. Bateman and Snell also points out that diversity is also a moral obligation. People in different demographics should be given an equal chance of employment.

"Business ethics is the application of ethical values to business behavior.” (Institute of Business Ethics, 2003). Business ethics are intertwined to many aspects of organization such as the topics already mentioned. Organization wide ethical behavior, like organizational culture, comes from the top management and filters down the line. If top management is dedicated to making ethical business decisions, the team down the line, with the example provided from upper management will move in the same direction.

Communication is crucial in all aspects of an organization's

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