Organizational behavior

 

 

Organizational behavior is the combination of four areas of study—psychology, social psychology, sociology, and anthropology. While each of these areas involves an examination of people and their interactions, the focuses are quite different:

Psychology studies the mind and how people make decisions.
Social Psychology examines how people work in groups.
Sociology explores how systems work within the organization.
Anthropology examines how culture works within the organization.
Now, assume that you are an organizational consultant and have been asked by a new CEO to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the organization.

Respond to the following:
Of the four areas of study listed above, which would you focus on first? Social Psychology
Make sure to explain why you chose this area and why it would take precedence over the other areas

 

Sample Solution

You’re right, among the four areas of study – psychology, social psychology, sociology, and anthropology – Social Psychology would be the most fitting place to start for evaluating the organization’s strengths and weaknesses. Here’s why:

  • Focus on Group Dynamics: Social psychology deals with how people behave in groups, including group formation, leadership, communication, and decision-making. This is crucial because organizations are inherently social entities. Understanding how employees interact, collaborate, and function within teams is essential to gauging the overall health of the organization.
  • Immediate Impact on Performance: A strong team dynamic directly translates to better performance. Social psychology helps identify issues like social loafing (reduced effort in groups), conflicts, or ineffective communication that can hinder productivity and morale.
  • Foundation for Further Analysis: Evaluating social aspects first lays the groundwork for understanding the bigger picture. Once you grasp how well people work together, you can delve deeper into individual psychologies (psychology), how the organization functions as a system (sociology), and the underlying cultural norms (anthropology).

While all four areas are important, social psychology provides the initial lens to assess the core social processes that drive an organization’s effectiveness.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer