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Organizational Behavior
Bridging Science and Practice

v4.0 Talya Bauer and Berrin Erdogan

Chapter 1 Organizational Behavior at Work

Finger Presses Blue Button Organizational Behavior on Black Keyboard Background.

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to understand and articulate answers to the following questions:

  1. What is organizational behavior (OB)?

  2. Why does organizational behavior matter?

  3. How can I maximize my learning and retention?

  4. What research methods are used to study organizational behavior?

  5. What are the emerging trends that will influence OB?

Adults spend a majority of their awake time at work. Organizational behavior is all about understanding factors at the individual, group, and/or organizational level that help or hinder individual and organizational interactions and effectiveness. You will see that the textbook is organized around these three levels, but please also keep in mind that individual differences influence group interactions as well as perceptions of organizations, so the distinction among the three levels is not purely distinct. In this chapter, you will learn about the ways in which OB can help you understand how research and best practices can make you more effective in organizational life.