• Unit 1: Organizations in Business

    Let's start with the basics in considering the following question: what is an organization? An organization is a collection of individuals arranged in a particular way and embedded in an ever-changing environment in order to achieve a common goal. In this introductory unit, you will learn about organizations in business, focusing on how the individual plays a role in the success of the organization. You will learn that you must understand what influences individual behavior before you can study how individuals interact with organizations. As in psychology and sociology, the individual person is the focus of organizational behavior. Because sciences like psychology and sociology are older, more established fields of study than organizational behavior, we will take a look at them in order to better understand the purpose and applications of OB. This unit will provide you with an introduction to OB, including the history and emerging trends of OB. In addition, we will identify the micro-level factors that contribute to our understanding of the OB field. You will also learn about how OB is connected with other sciences. Finally, you will be provided with information on how to properly evaluate research in OB.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 11 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • define organizational behavior (OB);
      • relate organizational behavior to organizational success;
      • identify and analyze current trends in organizational behavior;
      • differentiate among different types of diversity and the benefits of each to organizations; and
      • discuss globalization and the cross-cultural challenges of the workplace.

    • 1.1: Organizational Behavior

      • Organizational Behavior URL

        Read Chapter 1 for an overview of organizational behavior, which is defined as a systematic study of how individuals and groups act within the organizations where they work. As you read, think about how organizational behavior is related to organizational success. Also, look for some of the trends in organizational behavior (OB), as we will discuss these trends again in the course.

      • 1.1.1: What Is an Organization?

        • Why, What, and How We Study Behavior in Organizations Page

          While you watch this video, think about the "what" and "why" of organizational behavior. What is OB? Why do we study OB? How can our knowledge of and implementation of OB concepts contribute to our organization's success?

      • 1.1.2: History

        • What is Organizational Behavior? URL

          What is organizational behavior (OB) and why is it important? How has the discipline of organizational behavior evolved over the years? What can you expect to learn as a student of organizational behavior? Review this presentation for an overview of the history and the trends of OB.

        • Quiz: Leadership and Organizational Behavior
          Receive a grade
          Use this quiz to test what you know about organizational behavior so far. Don't worry about getting the answers wrong or receiving a low score. The purpose is to give you a better idea about what you will learn as you progress through this course.

      • 1.1.3: Emerging Trends in OB and Workplaces

        • Employee Engagement Mindset Page

          Now that you have a good idea about "what" OB is, let's take a look at the "why". Why is OB important to an organization's success? What are some of the trends on OB? Take a few moments to watch this video, where you will learn about the importance of "highly engaged employees". Pay particular attention to the six drivers of high engagement. How can you become responsible for your own engagement with your organization?

    • 1.2: Micro Level Factors – Understanding People at Work

      • Understanding People at Work: Individual Differences and Perception URL

        We are now moving on to the topic of understanding people in the workplace. This section will introduce you to the differences you will see in the workplace and help you better understand these differences. You'll also read about the concept of perception, which we will cover more in-depth in the next unit.

      • Individual Differences and Personality Page

        This video lecture builds upon what you read in the previous chapter. How do personalities develop, and how can you best understand and appreciate the diversity in the workplace? Learn how your organization can recognize and benefit from individual differences.

      • Hawthorne's Studies URL

        Read this article to understand the "Hawthorne Effect", a set of experiments proving that workers will be more productive when they think that management cares about and is interested in them. How can the lesson learned from these studies be applied to your workplace?

    • 1.3: Links to Other Sciences

      • Unit 1 Assessment

        • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz

          Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

          • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
          • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
          • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.