Introduction to Module 1: Goals of Organizational Theory and Behavior
Describe the goals of organizational theory and behavior
Cunningham & Geller, (n.d.) assert that organizational behavior in health care settings is paramount to ensuring patient safety, ethical behavior among the medical practitioners, patient-centered care and effecting change in the facilities which is bound to improve healthcare delivery and patients’ satisfaction.
In this first module, we consider the historical perspectives of Organizational Theory and Behavior
as well as the sociopolitical forces that thrust the discipline of Organizational Theory and Behavior into being. Our background readings are from multiple perspectives that resulted in the development of the field.
Cunningham, T. R. & Geller, E. S. (n.d.). Organizational Behavior Management in Health Care: Applications for Large-Scale Improvements in Patient Safety. https://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/advances2/vol2/Advances-Cunningham_11.pdf
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Organizational theory and behavior is a multidisciplinary field that seeks to understand and explain how individuals, groups and structures within organizations interact and influence each other (Cunningham & Geller, n.d.). This paper will discuss key goals of studying organizational theory and behavior, with a focus on its applications in healthcare contexts. It will also explore some of the historical perspectives and sociopolitical forces that led to the emergence of this domain.
Goals of Organizational Theory and Behavior
There are several important objectives of analyzing organizations through a theoretical lens. Firstly, it aims to understand how factors like leadership styles, organizational culture and structures impact employee attitudes, behaviors and performance (Schein, 2010 – Essay Writing Service: Write My Essay by Top-Notch Writer). For example, transformational leadership has been shown to positively influence employee engagement and satisfaction levels.
Secondly, organizational theory examines internal and external influences on an organization’s effectiveness and ability to change (Burke, 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). Understanding these dynamics is crucial for strategic planning and change management initiatives. Environmental shifts, resource availability, and stakeholder needs constantly impact organizations, necessitating theoretical frameworks to navigate change.
Additionally, evaluating different approaches to improving organizational processes, communication, decision-making, innovation and overall functioning is a core goal (Clegg et al., 2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online). Theories offer standardized models that can be tested and adapted based on empirical research. This supports evidence-based practice within organizations.
In healthcare specifically, applying organizational behavior principles aims to enhance patient safety, quality of care provided, ethical standards and satisfaction (Cunningham & Geller, n.d.). Given the complex, high-risk nature of this industry, a theoretical understanding of human and systemic factors is paramount.
Historical Perspectives and Emergence of the Field
The study of organizations from a social science perspective began in the early 20th century (Morgan, 2006 – Write a paper; Professional research paper writing service – Best essay writers). Pioneers like Weber analyzed bureaucratic principles within institutions. Further, the Hawthorn Studies in the 1920s first illuminated how informal social dynamics impact formal structures and vice versa. This prompted researchers to consider subjective human experiences within organizations.
During and after World War II, developments in psychology, sociology and related disciplines influenced theories around group behavior, decision-making, power, change and more (Shafritz et al., 2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online). The growing size and scope of organizations also drove the need for management models. The field continued expanding through the information age with new technologies, globalization forces, and demands for flexibility, learning and innovation.
In summary, organizational theory and behavior emerged as a recognized domain due to increasing organizational complexity, multidisciplinary influences, and the practical need to understand human and systemic factors impacting institutional effectiveness. Its goals center around analyzing these dynamics to enhance functioning, performance and outcomes across diverse contexts like healthcare.
Burke, W. W. (2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). Organization change: Theory and practice (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
Clegg, S. R., Kornberger, M., & Pitsis, T. (2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online). Managing and organizations: An introduction to theory and practice (4th ed.). Sage.
Cunningham, T. R. & Geller, E. S. (n.d.). Organizational Behavior Management in Health Care: Applications for Large-Scale Improvements in Patient Safety. https://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/advances2/vol2/Advances-Cunningham_11.pdf
Morgan, G. (2006 – Write a paper; Professional research paper writing service – Best essay writers). Images of organization. Sage publications.
Schein, E. H. (2010 – Essay Writing Service: Write My Essay by Top-Notch Writer). Organizational culture and leadership (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Shafritz, J. M., Ott, J. S., & Jang, Y. S. (2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online). Classics of organization theory. Cengage Learning.
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Study Bay Notes
Organizational theory and behavior are two interrelated fields of study that aim to understand and improve the performance of organizations. Organizational theory is the systematic analysis of the structure, design, culture, and environment of organizations, while organizational behavior is the scientific investigation of the attitudes, behaviors, and interactions of individuals and groups within organizations.
The main goals of organizational theory and behavior are to explain how organizations function, how they adapt to changing conditions, how they cope with conflicts and challenges, and how they achieve their objectives. By applying various theories and methods from psychology, sociology, economics, and other disciplines, organizational theorists and behaviorists seek to identify the factors that influence organizational effectiveness, efficiency, innovation, learning, and sustainability.
Some of the topics that organizational theory and behavior cover include:
– Organizational design and structure: how organizations are organized into units, departments, divisions, and networks; how they coordinate their activities; how they distribute authority and responsibility; how they align their goals and strategies.
– Organizational culture and climate: how organizations develop shared values, norms, beliefs, and assumptions; how they shape the perceptions, feelings, and behaviors of their members; how they foster a sense of identity and belonging.
– Organizational change and development: how organizations respond to internal and external pressures; how they initiate and implement planned or unplanned changes; how they manage resistance and facilitate commitment; how they evaluate and learn from their outcomes.
– Organizational leadership and power: how organizations are influenced by their leaders; how leaders emerge, develop, and perform; how leaders motivate, inspire, and empower their followers; how leaders deal with ethical dilemmas and conflicts.
– Organizational communication and decision making: how organizations exchange information and knowledge; how they communicate internally and externally; how they process and interpret information; how they make rational or intuitive decisions.
– Organizational motivation and performance: how organizations stimulate and reward their members; how they satisfy their needs and expectations; how they enhance their skills and abilities; how they measure and improve their results.
– Organizational diversity and inclusion: how organizations manage the differences among their members; how they respect and value their diversity; how they promote equity and fairness; how they leverage their diversity for competitive advantage.
Organizational theory and behavior are relevant for various stakeholders, such as managers, employees, customers, investors, regulators, competitors, partners, and society at large. By applying the insights from organizational theory and behavior, these stakeholders can better understand the dynamics of organizations, improve their performance outcomes, solve their problems, enhance their relationships, and create value for themselves and others.
References:
– Daft R.L. (2020). Organization Theory & Design. 13th ed. Cengage Learning.
– Greenberg J. (2020). Behavior in Organizations. 11th ed. Pearson Education.
– Jones G.R. & George J.M. (2020). Contemporary Management. 11th ed. McGraw-Hill Education.
– McShane S.L. & Von Glinow M.A. (2020). Organizational Behavior. 8th ed. McGraw-Hill Education.
– Robbins S.P. & Judge T.A. (2020). Organizational Behavior. 18th ed. Pearson Education.
– Scott W.R. & Davis G.F. (2023). Organizations and Organizing: Rational, Natural, and Open System Perspectives. 2nd ed. Routledge.
