Disciplines Contributing To Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior is an applied behavioral science that is built upon contributions from a number of behavioral disciplines. The predominant areas are psychology, sociology, social psychology, anthropology, and political science

1. Psychology

Psychology is the science that seeks to measure, explain, and sometimes change the behavior of humans and other animals. it may be; the mental and behavior characteristic of an individual or group; If one want to improve the behavior of an individual on group we have to look into the psychological needs of an individual and group. So the knowledge of psychology can really help in improving and modifying the behavior of individual and group. If the psychological needs are fulfilled ,it gives satisfaction to people and also give peace of mind, which can improve the ability of an organization

 Early industrial and organizational psychologists concerned themselves with problems of fatigue, boredom, and other factors relevant to working conditions that could impede efficient work performance. More recently, their contributions have been expanded to include learning, perception, personality, training, leadership effectiveness, needs and motivational forces, job satisfaction, decision making processes, performance appraisals, attitude measurement, employee selection techniques, work design and job stress.

2. Sociology

Sociologists study the social system in which individuals fill their roles; that is, sociology studies people in relation to their fellow human beings. Sociology is "the science of society social institution and social relationship." This study really provides helping hand in the improvement and modification of OB. Society provides the base for collective living and relationship while social institutes provide the base for better form and shape for society among its different organizations. Meanwhile, social behavior molds the behavior and values of the society. So, knowledge of social norms and values not to forget the customs really help in shaping the society.

Some of the areas within organizational behavior that have received valuable input from sociologist are group dynamics, design of work teams, organizational culture, formal organization theory and structure, organizational technology, communications, power conflict, and inter group behavior.

3. Social psychology

Social psychology is an area within psychology, but it blends concepts from psychology and sociology. It concentrates on the influence of people on one another. One of the major areas receiving considerable investigation from social psychologist have been change, how to implement it and how to reduce barriers to its acceptance. In addition, social psychologists are making significant contributions in the areas of measuring, understanding, and changing attitudes; communication patterns; the ways in which group activities can satisfy individual needs; and group decision making processes.

4. Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of societies to learn about human beings and their activities. Anthropologist’s work on cultures and environments, for instance, has helped us understand differences in fundamental values, attitudes, and behavior between people in different countries and within different organizations. Much of our current understanding of organizational culture, organizational environments, and differences between national cultures is the result of the work of anthropologist or researchers using their methodologies.

5. Political science

Although frequently overlooked, the contributions of political scientists are significant to the understanding of behavior in organizations. Political science studies the behavior of individuals and groups within a political environment. Specific topics of concern include structuring of conflict, allocation of power and how people manipulate power for individual self-interest.