Course

Organizational Behaviour

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

This course on Organizational Behaviour aims to equip students with the tools to understand and manage workplace dynamics effectively. After completing the course, students will be able to answer critical questions such as:

  1. Why do people behave as they do at work?
  2. What can managers do to motivate employees toward greater productivity?
  3. What responsibility do managers have for ensuring employee satisfaction?
  4. What can be learned from theory and research to become effective future managers?
  5. How can individuals, groups, and whole organizations work together more effectively within the increasing pace of corporate change, dramatic restructuring, downsizing, and advanced global competition?

The course covers the following key topics:

  1. Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour
    • Understanding Organizational Behaviour: Fundamental Concepts, Organizational Processes, Structure, Change, and Innovation.
    • Effectiveness in Organizations: Models, Competencies, and Limitations.
    • Social Systems and Organizational Culture: Understanding social systems and influencing culture change.
  2. Understanding and Managing Individual Behaviour
    • Individual Differences and Work Behaviour: Importance and influences.
    • Personality: Structure and measurement.
    • Attitudes: Nature, effects, and management of employee attitudes.
    • Perceptions, Attributions, and Emotions: The perceptual process and emotional intelligence.
    • Motivation: Concepts, approaches, and implications for job design.
    • Job Design, Work, and Motivation: Quality of work life and job analysis.
    • Evaluation, Feedback, and Rewards: Performance evaluation and innovative reward systems.
    • Managing Misbehaviour: Understanding and addressing workplace misbehaviours.
    • Stress and Counseling: Understanding stress in the workplace and its management.
  3. Group Behaviour and Interpersonal Influence
    • Informal and Formal Groups: Understanding group dynamics.
    • Teams and Team Building: Organizational context for effective teamwork.
    • Managing Conflict and Negotiation: Causes, management strategies, and negotiation tactics.
    • Power and Politics: Understanding power dynamics in organizations.
    • Empowerment and Participation: Importance of participation in organizational processes.
    • Assertive Behaviour: Facilitating effective interpersonal relations.
  4. Organizational Processes
    • Communication: Importance, barriers, and effective strategies.
    • Decision Making: Types and processes of decision making.
    • Leadership: Various approaches and contemporary issues.
  5. Organizational Design, Change, and Innovation
    • Organizational Structure and Design: Principles and models of design.
    • Managing Change and Innovation: Understanding and implementing change effectively.
  6. Emerging Aspects of Organizational Behaviour
    • Organizational Behaviour Across Cultures: Managing multinational operations and cross-cultural communication.
Course Lectures
  • This module provides an understanding of the foundational concepts in Organizational Behaviour, emphasizing the importance of organizational processes and structure.

    Students will learn about:

    • Fundamental concepts of organizational behaviour.
    • The relationship between organizational structure and effectiveness.
    • Models of organizational behaviour.
    • The impact of organizational culture and change on effectiveness.
  • This module explores the effectiveness of organizations, focusing on various models of organizational behaviour and the impact of systems theory.

    Topics covered include:

    • Different models of organizational behaviour.
    • Understanding system theory and its application.
    • Developing competencies within organizations.
    • Recognizing limitations in organizational behaviour.
  • This module focuses on social systems and organizational culture, highlighting how these elements influence workplace behaviour and performance.

    Key areas include:

    • Defining social systems and organizational culture.
    • Understanding roles and status within organizations.
    • Strategies for influencing culture change.
    • Characteristics of effective socialization processes.
  • This continuation of the previous module further examines social systems and organizational culture, providing deeper insights into sustaining culture change.

    Students will explore:

    • Techniques for sustaining organizational culture.
    • The role of leadership in cultural change.
    • Evaluating the effectiveness of socialization practices.
    • Case studies of successful culture change initiatives.
  • This module investigates individual differences in work behaviour, emphasizing the significance of understanding these differences for effective management.

    Key topics include:

    • The impact of individual differences on workplace behaviour.
    • Methods for assessing work behaviour.
    • Strategies for managing diverse work styles.
    • The importance of tailoring approaches to individual needs.
  • Mod-01 Lec-06 Personality
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module focuses on personality differences, exploring how these variations influence behaviour in organizational settings.

    Students will learn about:

    • Sources and structure of personality differences.
    • Relationship between personality and workplace behaviour.
    • Methods for measuring personality in a professional context.
    • The implications of personality differences for team dynamics.
  • Mod-01 Lec-07 Personality (Contd.)
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This continuation of the previous module further delves into personality differences, offering insights into their impact on teamwork and communication.

    Key focus areas include:

    • The interplay of personality and team collaboration.
    • Impact of personality on interpersonal communication.
    • Strategies for leveraging personality strengths in teams.
    • Real-world examples illustrating personality dynamics.
  • Mod-01 Lec-08 Attitudes
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module examines attitudes within the workplace, their formation, and effects on employee behaviour and satisfaction.

    Topics covered include:

    • Understanding the nature of employee attitudes.
    • Effects of attitudes on job performance and satisfaction.
    • Methods for measuring and evaluating job satisfaction.
    • Strategies for modifying negative employee attitudes.
  • Mod-01 Lec-09 Attitudes (Contd.)
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This continuation of the previous module provides an in-depth analysis of employee attitudes and their implications for organizational culture and effectiveness.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • The relationship between attitudes and organizational culture.
    • Methods for fostering positive employee attitudes.
    • Impact of leadership on employee morale and attitudes.
    • Case studies highlighting successful attitude management.
  • Mod-01 Lec-10 Attitudes (Contd. )
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module further explores attitudes, focusing on the dynamics of employee engagement and the psychological factors influencing job satisfaction.

    Key topics include:

    • Factors affecting employee engagement.
    • The role of psychological contracts in job satisfaction.
    • Strategies for enhancing engagement and satisfaction.
    • Measuring the impact of engagement on organizational performance.
  • This module discusses perceptions, attributions, and emotions in the workplace, exploring how they influence employee interactions and decision-making.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • The perceptual process and its impact on workplace behaviour.
    • Attribution theory and its application in organizations.
    • The role of emotions in the workplace.
    • Strategies for managing emotions effectively in professional settings.
  • This module further examines perceptions and attributions, emphasizing their significance in shaping workplace relationships and communication.

    Topics covered include:

    • The impact of perceptual biases on decision-making.
    • Strategies for improving interpersonal perceptions.
    • Managing attributions in team settings.
    • Real-life applications of perception management.
  • Mod-01 Lec-13 Motivation
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module focuses on motivation, exploring various theories and approaches to enhance employee productivity and satisfaction.

    Key concepts include:

    • Understanding the concept of motivation and its significance.
    • Content vs. process approaches to motivation.
    • The psychological contract and its relation to motivation.
    • Strategies for motivating diverse employee groups.
  • Mod-01 Lec-14 Motivation (Contd.)
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This continuation of the previous module delves deeper into motivation, emphasizing the application of various theories in real-life organizational contexts.

    Key focus areas include:

    • Case studies illustrating successful motivation strategies.
    • The role of managers in fostering motivation.
    • Evaluating the effectiveness of motivational techniques.
    • Adapting motivation strategies for diverse workforces.
  • This module examines job design and its relationship to work and motivation, focusing on creating roles that enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.

    Key areas covered include:

    • The impact of job design on quality of work life.
    • Job performance outcomes based on design.
    • Job analysis and its importance in effective design.
    • Strategies for job enrichment and enlargement.
  • This continuation of the previous module further explores job design, emphasizing practical applications and modifications to enhance motivation and performance.

    Key focus areas include:

    • Real-world applications of job design principles.
    • Techniques for designing job range and depth.
    • Integrating total quality management with job design.
    • Evaluating the success of job design initiatives.
  • This module examines evaluation, feedback, and rewards, highlighting their significance in managing employee performance and motivation.

    Key topics include:

    • Importance of performance evaluation and feedback.
    • Reinforcement theory and its implications for rewards.
    • Designing innovative reward systems.
    • Balancing rewards with organizational objectives.
  • This continuation of the previous module further investigates performance evaluation and feedback, emphasizing best practices for effective management.

    Key focus areas include:

    • Best practices for providing constructive feedback.
    • The role of regular evaluations in performance improvement.
    • Strategies for aligning rewards with performance goals.
    • Case studies demonstrating effective feedback systems.
  • Mod-01 Lec-19 Managing Misbehaviour
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module explores the challenge of managing misbehaviour within organizations, discussing its implications for workplace dynamics and culture.

    Key areas covered include:

    • Understanding the emergence of misbehaviour in the workplace.
    • Factors contributing to employee misbehaviour.
    • Strategies for managing and mitigating misbehaviour.
    • Case studies of effective misbehaviour management.
  • Mod-01 Lec-20 Stress
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module discusses stress and counseling in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing stress for employee well-being.

    Key topics include:

    • Defining stress and its impact on employees.
    • Identifying work stressors and their outcomes.
    • Strategies for stress prevention and management.
    • The role of employee counseling in promoting well-being.
  • Mod-01 Lec-21 Counseling
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This continuation of the previous module further examines workplace stress and counseling, providing deeper insights into effective management strategies.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Techniques for identifying and addressing stressors.
    • Implementing employee assistance programs.
    • Evaluating the effectiveness of counseling interventions.
    • Case studies of successful stress management initiatives.
  • Mod-01 lec-22 Informal and Formal Groups
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module explores informal and formal group dynamics, emphasizing their significance in organizational behaviour and team effectiveness.

    Key topics include:

    • Understanding the nature of group dynamics in organizations.
    • Differences between informal and formal groups.
    • Impact of group dynamics on organizational performance.
    • Strategies for enhancing team effectiveness.
  • Mod-01 Lec-23 Teams and Teambuilding
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module explores the dynamics of teams and the importance of effective teamwork within organizations. Key topics include:

    • The definition of teams and their types.
    • Team roles and the importance of role clarity.
    • Strategies for effective team building.
    • Challenges teams face and how to overcome them.

    Understanding how to foster collaboration and cohesion within teams is crucial for achieving organizational goals and enhancing productivity.

  • This module focuses on the complexities of managing conflict and negotiation within organizational settings. Topics covered include:

    • Types of conflict and their impact on the workplace.
    • Strategies for effective conflict resolution.
    • Negotiation techniques and best practices.
    • Understanding intergroup conflict and how to manage it.

    Developing skills in conflict management and negotiation is essential for maintaining a positive work environment and enhancing team collaboration.

  • This module continues the discussion on managing conflict and negotiation, delving deeper into the complexities involved. Key elements include:

    • Advanced negotiation strategies and tactics.
    • Case studies on successful conflict resolution.
    • Practical exercises to enhance negotiation skills.
    • Real-world applications of negotiation theories.

    Participants will engage in role-playing scenarios to practice their skills and prepare for real-life negotiation challenges.

  • Mod-01 Lec-26 Power and Politics
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module addresses the concepts of power and politics within organizations, focusing on how they impact behavior and decision-making. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the sources and types of power.
    • Political strategies and their ethical implications.
    • The role of power dynamics in team and organizational effectiveness.
    • Techniques for using power constructively.

    By examining these dynamics, participants will learn to navigate organizational politics effectively and enhance their influence within their teams.

  • This module focuses on empowerment and participation within organizations, highlighting their significance in enhancing employee engagement and performance. Topics covered include:

    • Understanding the nature of empowerment.
    • How participation impacts decision-making and morale.
    • Programs that promote employee participation.
    • Challenges and considerations in implementing empowerment initiatives.

    Participants will explore case studies showcasing successful empowerment strategies and learn how to foster a participative culture.

  • This module examines assertive behavior and transactional analysis as tools for improving interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Key aspects include:

    • Understanding assertiveness and its importance in communication.
    • Transactional analysis concepts and their application in relationships.
    • Techniques for fostering assertive communication.
    • Practical exercises to build interpersonal skills.

    Participants will engage in activities designed to enhance their assertiveness, enabling them to express needs and opinions effectively.

  • Mod-01 Lec-29 Communication
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module delves into the essential role of communication within organizations, emphasizing its significance for effective management and collaboration. Topics include:

    • The communication process and channels within organizations.
    • Barriers to effective communication and strategies to overcome them.
    • The impact of technology on communication.
    • Interpersonal and multicultural communication skills.

    Participants will learn techniques for improving communication effectiveness and fostering an open dialogue within their teams.

  • Mod-01 Lec-30 Communication (Contd.)
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module continues the exploration of communication, focusing on advanced techniques and strategies for improving organizational communication. Key topics include:

    • Enhancing information richness and clarity.
    • Developing effective feedback mechanisms.
    • Promoting ethical communication practices.
    • Case studies showcasing successful communication strategies.

    Participants will engage in workshops designed to practice these advanced communication skills in realistic scenarios.

  • Mod-01 Lec-31 Decision Making
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module focuses on decision-making processes within organizations, emphasizing how effective decision-making can lead to better outcomes. Key elements include:

    • Types of decisions and decision-making frameworks.
    • The rational decision-making process and its limitations.
    • Behavioral influences on decision-making.
    • Group decision-making dynamics and creativity.

    Participants will analyze real-world decision-making scenarios and learn to navigate the complexities of making sound decisions in group settings.

  • Mod-01 Lec-32 Decision Making (Contd.)
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module continues the discussion on decision-making, focusing on advanced techniques and group dynamics. Key topics include:

    • Alternative decision-making approaches.
    • Techniques for fostering creativity in decision-making.
    • Case studies on effective group decision-making.
    • Overcoming challenges in group decision-making.

    Participants will engage in interactive activities to develop their decision-making skills further, applying theories to practice.

  • Mod-01 Lec-33 Leadership
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module explores the concept of leadership and its critical role in shaping organizational behavior and culture. Key topics include:

    • Definition and importance of leadership.
    • Various leadership styles and approaches.
    • Situational leadership and its applications.
    • Emerging trends in leadership practices.

    Participants will reflect on their leadership styles and learn strategies for becoming more effective leaders in their organizations.

  • Mod-01 Lec-34 Leadership (Contd.)
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module continues the examination of leadership, diving deeper into various leadership styles and their practical implications. Key elements include:

    • Trait and behavioral approaches to leadership.
    • Leadership in multicultural contexts.
    • Case studies of successful leaders and their strategies.
    • Developing personal leadership plans.

    Participants will engage in self-assessment activities to identify their leadership strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Mod-01 Lec-35 Leadership (Contd.)
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module further explores leadership concepts, focusing on new and emerging approaches to effective leadership. Topics include:

    • Transformational and transactional leadership.
    • Servant leadership and its benefits.
    • Leadership in modern organizational contexts.
    • Developing a vision and inspiring teams.

    Participants will analyze current leadership trends and learn how to apply these principles in their organizations to drive change.

  • This module examines organizational structure and design, focusing on the critical factors that influence how organizations are structured. Key topics include:

    • Principles of organizational design and their applications.
    • Types of organizational structures and their advantages.
    • Delegation of authority and its impact on effectiveness.
    • Challenges in designing multinational and virtual organizations.

    Participants will explore real-world examples and case studies to understand the complexities of organizational design.

  • This module continues the exploration of organizational structure and design, focusing on implementing design strategies effectively. Key elements include:

    • Assessing organizational needs and structure.
    • Dealing with departmental biases and span of control.
    • Case studies on successful organizational redesigns.
    • Strategies for fostering effective communication within structures.

    Participants will learn how to evaluate and implement design changes to enhance organizational performance.

  • This module further investigates organizational structure and design, specifically focusing on adapting to change. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the need for adaptability in organizational structures.
    • Models of organizational design for change.
    • Strategies for ensuring successful adaptation.
    • Future trends in organizational design.

    Participants will analyze case studies of organizations that have successfully adapted their structures in response to change.

  • Mod-01 Lec-39 Change and Innovation
    Dr. Susmita Mukhopadhyay

    This module focuses on change management and innovation within organizations, emphasizing the importance of effectively managing change. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the change process and resistance factors.
    • Strategies for managing change effectively.
    • The role of innovation in organizational success.
    • Case studies of successful change initiatives.

    Participants will learn how to identify and implement effective change management strategies and foster a culture of innovation.

  • This module continues the exploration of change management and innovation, focusing on practical applications and tools. Key elements include:

    • Tools and frameworks for managing change.
    • Techniques for fostering employee buy-in during change.
    • Real-world examples of innovative practices.
    • Lessons learned from change management failures.

    Participants will engage in workshops to apply these tools and develop their own change management plans.

  • This module explores organizational behavior across cultures, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness in multinational operations. Topics covered include:

    • Conditions affecting multinational operations.
    • Managing a diverse international workforce.
    • Cross-cultural communication strategies.
    • Challenges and benefits of cultural diversity in organizations.

    Participants will learn how to navigate cultural differences and leverage diversity for organizational success.