April 2, 2005
Organizational behavior encompasses a wide range of topics, such as human behavior, change, leadership, and teams. Organizational Behavior is the study and application of knowledge about how people, individuals, and groups act in organizations. It interprets people-organization relationships in terms of the whole person, group, organization, and social system. Its purpose is to build better relationships by achieving individual, organizational, and social objectives.
An organization 's base rests on management 's philosophy, values, vision and goals. This in turn drives the organizational culture which is composed of the formal, informal and the social environment. According to Donald R. Clark there are four major Models of Organizational Behavior (1998) that organizations operate out of:
Autocratic The basis here is power with a managerial orientation of authority. The employees are oriented towards obedience and dependence on the boss. The employee need that is met is subsistence and the performance result is minimal.
Custodial - The basis of this model is economic resources with a managerial orientation of money. The employees are oriented towards security and benefits and dependence on the organization. The employee need that is met is security. The performance result is passive cooperation.
Supportive The basis here is leadership with a managerial orientation of support. The employees are oriented towards job performance and participation. The employee need that is met s status and recognition.
Collegial The basis is partnership with a managerial orientation of teamwork. The employees are oriented towards responsible behavior and self-discipline. The employee need that is met is self-actualization.
Although there are four models listed, I do not believe that any organization operates exclusively within one. My company, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. operates
References: American Heritage Dictionary of English Language, (2000). Houghton Mifflin Company, 4th Edition. Retrieved April 3, 2005 from: http://www.dictionary.com Caesars Entertainment, Inc., (2005). Corporate: About Us, Diversity. Retrieved April 3, 2005 from: http://www.caesars.com Clark, D., (March, 1998). Models of Organizational Behavior. Elements of Organizational Behavior. Retrieved April 2, 2005, from http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/.html Prasad, C. (2004). How to distinguish yourself as a culturally diverse candidate. Retrieved April 2, 2005 from: IMDiversity http://www.careerjournal.com/myc/diversity/20040429-imdiversity.html Sonnenfeld, J., (2004). Field Guide to Leadership and Supervision. What is culture?. Retrieved April 2, 2005 from http://www.mapnp.org/library/culture/culture.htm