Organisational Behaviour

Abstract

Mullins (2005) defines organisational behaviour as the study and understanding of individual and group behaviour and patterns of structure in order to help improve organisational performance and effectiveness. Cole (1998) states that organisational behaviour is a term applied to the systematic study of the behaviour of individuals within work groups, including an analysis of the nature of groups, the development of structures between and within groups and the process of implementing change. The definitions indicate that the principal issues addressed by organisational behaviour are: - • Individual behaviour and performance at work; • The nature and working of people in groups; • The nature of social structures and organisation design at work; • The processes involved in adapting behaviour to meet changing conditions. There is close relationship between organisational behaviour and management theory and practice. Some writers suggest that organisational behaviour and management are synonymous, but this is something of an over-simplification because there are many broader facts to management.