Foundations Of Organizational Behavior

When biological theories were used to understand behavior in the early 20th century, they were often poorly understood. Ideas about race, ethnicity, and IQ, and notions of social Darwinism, were based on a misunderstanding and an incomplete understanding of genetics and Darwin s theory of evolution by natural selection. Now, however, a biological understanding of social behavior is an integral part of modern science, and increasingly used in the study of behavior in organizations. Yet, compared with other explanatory paradigms in organizational behavior, biological and evolutionary approaches are still relatively rare. "The Biological Foundations of Organizational Behavior" provides accessible insights for scholars and practitioners in management and organizational behavior into what biology can offer their fields. Chapters contain enough background to orient readers who may have little knowledge of biology, and provide substantive contributions to advancing understanding of specific areas of biology and human behavior in organizations. They also show how the addition of biological theory and research to organizational-behavior scholarship will increase its explanatory and predictive power and contribute to its scientific foundations."

The book begins with a treatment of the role of science and the nature of theory and research. A discussion of the early origins and history of organizational behavior follows. This is the most comprehensive coverage of how organizational behavior emerged and grew. It presents and evaluates the first generation theorists, whose work began during the first 20 years. The subject matter covered is motivation, leadership, and organizational decision making. The institutional culture of organizational behavior is discussed and a vision for the future of the field is stated. Here the early history and the evidence from the theories are brought together in an effort to assess the identity of organizational behavior and where it might be headed.

Building on the success of the previous edition and the running theme that OB is forEveryone, this new edition presents all the essential topics in Organizational Behavior in a concise and readable format. Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour, Fourth Canadian Edition, helps students make the connections between the subject, the world of research that supports OB, and students' everyday lives, both now and in their future careers.

Fundamentals of Organizational Behavior: An Applied Perspective, Second Edition examines the behavior of people in organizations. Topics covered range from political maneuvering in organizations (office politics) to the stresses facing people in managerial and professional positions. A conceptual framework for organizational behavior is presented, along with numerous case illustrations and examples from live organizational settings. This monograph consists of 14 chapters and opens with an introduction to organizational behavior and how it is influenced by principles of human behavior. The three main subareas or schools of management thought are discussed, together with the difference between knowledge work and non-knowledge work; how research and theory contribute to an understanding of organizational behavior; and the distinction between structure and process. The following chapters explore how the meaning of work relates to work motivation, as well as the link between work motivation and job performance; behavioral aspects of decision making; stresses in managerial and professional life; and political maneuvering in organizations. Small group behavior, leadership styles, and interpersonal communications are also considered, along with intergroup conflict and organizational effectiveness. This book will be of interest to students, managers, and staff specialists, as well as behavioral scientists and management theorists.

Blends theory and practical examples of traditional organizational behaviour topics. This second edition text highlights the changing nature of managerial work and careers. An overview of six companies is used to illustrate and link key concepts throughout the text.