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Organizational Behavior

Organizational Behavior

by Stephen P. Robbins 1983 704 pages
3.81
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Personality shapes workplace behavior and success

For our purposes, think of personality as the sum of ways in which an individual reacts to and interacts with others.

Personality defines interactions. It encompasses the unique combination of traits that influence how a person thinks, feels, and behaves in various situations. In the workplace, personality plays a crucial role in determining job performance, leadership potential, team dynamics, and overall organizational success.

Measurement and application. Organizations increasingly use personality assessments in hiring and development processes. Common methods include:

  • Self-report surveys
  • Observer-rating surveys
  • Combination of both for improved accuracy

Determinants of personality. While the nature vs. nurture debate continues, research suggests personality is influenced by:

  • Heredity: Genetic factors play a significant role
  • Environment: Life experiences shape personality over time
  • Interaction of both: Genes and environment work together to form personality

2. The Big Five model provides a comprehensive personality framework

Conscientiousness is important to overall organizational success.

The Big Five traits. This widely accepted model identifies five core personality dimensions:

  1. Conscientiousness: Reliability, organization, and persistence
  2. Emotional Stability: Ability to handle stress and maintain composure
  3. Extraversion: Comfort with social interactions and assertiveness
  4. Openness to Experience: Curiosity, creativity, and willingness to try new things
  5. Agreeableness: Cooperation, warmth, and trust

Workplace implications. Each trait influences various aspects of job performance:

  • Conscientiousness: Strongest predictor of overall job performance
  • Emotional Stability: Linked to job satisfaction and stress management
  • Extraversion: Important for roles requiring interpersonal interaction
  • Openness: Associated with leadership effectiveness and adaptability
  • Agreeableness: Beneficial for teamwork and customer service roles

Cross-cultural validity. The Big Five model has been found to be largely consistent across cultures, making it a valuable tool for global organizations.

3. Dark Triad traits can impact organizational dynamics

The Dark Triad may sound sinister, but these traits are not clinical pathologies hindering everyday functioning.

Understanding the Dark Triad. These socially undesirable traits can influence workplace behavior:

  1. Machiavellianism: Pragmatic, emotionally distant, ends-justify-means thinking
  2. Narcissism: Grandiose self-importance, need for admiration, arrogance
  3. Psychopathy: Lack of empathy, guilt, or remorse for harmful actions

Organizational impact. Dark Triad traits can have both positive and negative effects:

  • Machiavellianism: May lead to manipulative behavior and unethical decision-making
  • Narcissism: Can result in charismatic leadership but also self-serving actions
  • Psychopathy: Potentially linked to bullying and aggressive tactics

Management considerations. While these traits can be detrimental, they may also contribute to success in certain roles or situations. Leaders should be aware of their presence and manage their potential impacts on team dynamics and organizational culture.

4. Core self-evaluations influence job performance and satisfaction

People who have positive CSEs like themselves and see themselves as effective and in control of their environment.

Understanding CSEs. Core self-evaluations (CSEs) are fundamental beliefs individuals hold about their own worth and capabilities. They encompass:

  • Self-esteem
  • Self-efficacy
  • Locus of control
  • Emotional stability

Workplace implications. Positive CSEs can lead to:

  • Higher job satisfaction
  • Improved job performance
  • Greater goal commitment and persistence
  • Better customer service
  • Enhanced career progression

Organizational benefits. Companies can leverage the power of positive CSEs by:

  • Creating supportive work environments
  • Providing opportunities for growth and development
  • Recognizing and rewarding employee achievements
  • Fostering a culture of empowerment and autonomy

5. Self-monitoring and proactive personality affect workplace adaptability

Zoe's problem is that she's politically inept and unable to adjust her behavior to fit changing situations.

Self-monitoring. This trait refers to an individual's ability to observe and control their self-presentation and expressive behavior. High self-monitors:

  • Adapt their behavior to different social situations
  • Are more successful in managerial positions
  • Excel in boundary-spanning roles

Low self-monitors:

  • Maintain consistent behavior across situations
  • May struggle in roles requiring frequent adaptability

Proactive personality. Individuals with this trait:

  • Take initiative to improve current circumstances
  • Identify opportunities and act on them
  • Are more likely to achieve career success
  • Demonstrate higher job performance and greater innovation

Organizational implications. Understanding these traits can help organizations:

  • Match employees to suitable roles
  • Develop targeted training programs
  • Create diverse teams with complementary traits

6. Values guide decision-making and ethical behavior

Values are important to the study of organizational behavior because they lay the foundation for the understanding of attitudes and motivation and because they influence our perceptions.

Understanding values. Values are basic convictions about what is right, good, or desirable. They serve as guiding principles in life and work, influencing:

  • Decision-making processes
  • Ethical considerations
  • Goal-setting and prioritization
  • Interpersonal relationships

Types of values:

  1. Terminal values: Desirable end-states of existence (e.g., freedom, happiness)
  2. Instrumental values: Preferable modes of behavior (e.g., honesty, ambition)

Organizational impact. Aligning individual and organizational values can lead to:

  • Increased job satisfaction and commitment
  • Improved ethical decision-making
  • Enhanced organizational culture and cohesion
  • Greater employee engagement and motivation

7. Cultural dimensions shape cross-cultural interactions

Research indicates our culture influences the way we rate ourselves.

Hofstede's cultural dimensions. This framework identifies key differences between national cultures:

  1. Power Distance: Acceptance of unequal power distribution
  2. Individualism vs. Collectivism: Focus on individual or group interests
  3. Masculinity vs. Femininity: Emphasis on achievement or quality of life
  4. Uncertainty Avoidance: Tolerance for ambiguity and risk
  5. Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation: Focus on future or present/past
  6. Indulgence vs. Restraint: Gratification of desires vs. suppression of needs

GLOBE framework. This expanded model adds dimensions such as:

  • Assertiveness
  • Humane Orientation
  • Performance Orientation

Cross-cultural management. Understanding these dimensions helps organizations:

  • Navigate global business environments
  • Develop effective cross-cultural communication strategies
  • Design appropriate leadership and management approaches for different cultures
  • Manage diverse teams more effectively

8. Person-job and person-organization fit determine success

The organization—and you—should be looking for a good match. If you are not a good match and are hired, you are likely to be unsuccessful, and miserable in the process.

Person-job fit. This concept refers to the compatibility between an individual's characteristics and the requirements of a specific job. High person-job fit leads to:

  • Increased job satisfaction
  • Improved job performance
  • Lower turnover intentions

Person-organization fit. This refers to the congruence between an individual's values and the organization's culture. Strong person-organization fit results in:

  • Greater organizational commitment
  • Enhanced job satisfaction
  • Improved team cohesion
  • Lower turnover rates

Implications for hiring and retention. Organizations should focus on:

  • Assessing both person-job and person-organization fit during recruitment
  • Creating accurate job descriptions and communicating organizational values
  • Providing realistic job previews to potential employees
  • Developing onboarding programs that reinforce cultural fit
  • Regularly assessing and addressing fit issues to improve retention

By considering both types of fit, organizations can create a workforce that is not only skilled and capable but also aligned with the company's values and goals, leading to long-term success and employee satisfaction.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins about?

  • Focus on Behavior: The book explores how individuals, groups, and structures impact behavior within organizations, aiming to improve organizational effectiveness.
  • Levels of Analysis: It examines organizational behavior at three levels: individual, group, and organizational, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding workplace dynamics.
  • Key Themes: Topics include motivation, leadership, team dynamics, organizational culture, and change management, emphasizing practical applications for managers.

Why should I read Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins?

  • Enhance Management Skills: The book offers insights into managing people effectively, crucial for anyone in a leadership role.
  • Research-Based Insights: Grounded in empirical research, it provides evidence-based management practices to enhance workplace performance.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: It covers a wide range of topics, making it valuable for students and professionals interested in organizational studies.

What are the key takeaways of Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins?

  • Interpersonal Skills Matter: Emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills for managerial success, influencing employee engagement and satisfaction.
  • Diversity Management: Highlights the need for effective diversity management strategies to leverage the strengths of a varied workforce.
  • Job Satisfaction and Performance: Explores the relationship between job satisfaction and performance, showing that satisfied employees are more productive.

What are the best quotes from Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins and what do they mean?

  • "Behavior follows perception.": This underscores the idea that how individuals perceive their environment directly influences their behavior.
  • "Conflict can be either constructive or destructive.": Emphasizes that not all conflict is negative; when managed well, it can lead to improved performance and innovation.
  • "Trust is the foundation of leadership.": Reflects the critical role of trust in fostering effective leadership and team dynamics.

How does Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins define job satisfaction?

  • Positive Feeling: Defined as a positive feeling about one’s job resulting from an evaluation of its characteristics.
  • Measurement Methods: Can be measured using a single global rating or by summing various job facets, such as work conditions and relationships with coworkers.
  • Influencing Factors: Factors include job conditions, personality traits, and perceived organizational support, contributing to overall happiness at work.

What is the Big Five Personality Model discussed in Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins?

  • Five Key Traits: Includes conscientiousness, emotional stability, extraversion, openness to experience, and agreeableness, describing a person's overall personality.
  • Predictive of Behavior: These traits can predict job performance, with conscientiousness being the strongest predictor.
  • Cultural Relevance: Validated across various cultures, making them a reliable framework for understanding personality in organizational contexts.

How does Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins address workplace discrimination?

  • Definition of Discrimination: Defined as making judgments about individuals based on stereotypes related to their demographic group.
  • Impact on Effectiveness: Undermines organizational effectiveness by reducing morale, increasing turnover, and harming the work environment.
  • Strategies for Management: Emphasizes the need for diversity management strategies to combat discrimination and create an inclusive workplace.

What is the relationship between attitudes and behavior in Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins?

  • Causal Relationship: Early research suggested attitudes directly influence behavior, but later studies indicate behavior can also shape attitudes.
  • Cognitive Dissonance: Inconsistency between attitudes and behavior leads to cognitive dissonance, prompting adjustments to reduce discomfort.
  • Predictive Power: Attitudes can predict future behavior, with the strength of this relationship varying based on factors like attitude importance.

How does Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins define leadership?

  • Influence and Vision: Leadership is the ability to influence a group toward achieving a vision or set of goals, distinct from mere management.
  • Types of Leadership: Discusses various theories, including trait, behavioral, and contingency theories, providing insights into effective leadership.
  • Charismatic and Transformational Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of these styles, which inspire and motivate followers to exceed self-interests for the organization's greater good.

What are the different types of conflict discussed in Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins?

  • Task Conflict: Relates to the content and goals of the work, beneficial if managed properly as it encourages discussion and diverse perspectives.
  • Relationship Conflict: Focused on interpersonal relationships, often dysfunctional and can hinder team performance due to personal animosities.
  • Process Conflict: Involves disagreements about how work gets done, leading to frustration and inefficiency if roles and responsibilities are unclear.

How does Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins suggest managing conflict effectively?

  • Open Communication: Encouraging open discussions about differences can help resolve conflicts before they escalate.
  • Focus on Interests: Guide conflicting parties to focus on shared interests rather than positions for collaborative solutions.
  • Utilize Conflict Resolution Techniques: Techniques like problem-solving, compromise, and authoritative command can maintain group cohesion.

What strategies does Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins suggest for overcoming resistance to change?

  • Effective Communication: Clear communication about the reasons for change can alleviate fears and uncertainties.
  • Involvement and Participation: Involving employees in decision-making enhances commitment and reduces resistance.
  • Support Systems: Providing support through training and resources helps employees adapt to changes, fostering a culture of flexibility.

Review Summary

3.81 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Organizational Behavior receives mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.81 out of 5. Some readers find it educational and comprehensive, praising its coverage of management concepts and organizational dynamics. Others criticize it as common sense or outdated. Many readers encountered it as a textbook for classes, with some finding it boring or difficult. The book is generally seen as a good introduction for beginners but less valuable for those with extensive business knowledge. Opinions vary on its depth, practicality, and relevance to modern workplace issues.

Your rating:

About the Author

Stephen P. Robbins is a renowned author and expert in the field of organizational behavior and management. He has written numerous textbooks and scholarly works on the subject, with "Organizational Behavior" being one of his most well-known publications. Robbins' work is widely used in business schools and management courses around the world. His writing style is often described as clear and accessible, making complex concepts understandable for students and professionals alike. Robbins has contributed significantly to the understanding of workplace dynamics, leadership, and organizational structure through his research and publications. His expertise has made him a respected figure in the academic and business communities.

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