Organizational Behavior

What is Organizational Behavior? Why is it so Sought After?

Organizational behavior relates to observations of interactions among individuals within an organization in a bid to create more efficient organizations. It studies impact of individuals, teams, processes, and the work environment on the overall organization. It also delves into how market dynamics affect organizations – how demands, competition, and other factors rule organizational functioning.
The intent is to boost organizational functioning by maximizing the contribution of individuals through encouraging them to be better versions of themselves, through enabling them to perform to the best of their capacities. One taking up organizational behavior assumes a leadership role, inspiring others to become leaders and take up innovation. This also aids in fulfilling the objective of employee satisfaction.
With overall functioning, specific issues faced by an organization are also addressed post observation and analysis. As relationships and productivity within the organization are improved, the organization’s reputation is enhanced, lending great worth to organizational behavior work.
One can take up charge in this field as a staff member of a single organization or as an independent consultant offering services to different organizations. Growth opportunities are immense in this field today as each organization is striving to better itself for outdoing its competitors.

Qualifications for a Career in Organizational Behavior
Degrees in Organizational Behavior are offered at both undergraduate and graduate level. A Master’s qualification is desirable in this competitive field. Targeted training in Organizational Behavior is sure to provide vital, needed insights on leadership, communication, and the human aspects of business. An MBA degree – offering a course in organizational behavior – is an excellent option too as MBA teaches the requisite business, management, and leadership skills, while the specific course can give exposure to group dynamics, decision-making, negotiations, and the abilities at influencing people positively.
It is a good idea to pursue a degree in Psychology at undergraduate level for it will enable one to be adept at judging people and so managing them. Some degree programs offer organizational psychology as a course. This undergraduate qualification can then be followed by a suitable MBA.
Professional certifications aimed at developing relevant skills or mindset can go a long way in shaping one well for a career trajectory in Organizational Behavior.

Skills for a Career in Organizational Behavior
What is important, first of all, is an eager interest in the work and a passion for bettering the work environment. One requires abilities at understanding organizational culture, and at assessing capacities of people. It is also important to be able to assess people’s temperaments and personalities so as to be enabled to inspire them in the appropriate way.
The work demands the possession of acute observatory powers, analytical bent of mind, and problem-solving skills. Some cross-functional knowledge is necessary to be able to evaluate performances of different individuals within the organization. To enhance overall productivity, an understanding of optimal resource utilization is also important.
Good communication and interpersonal skills are required. One must have the abilities at interacting well with those from different backgrounds in terms of culture and professional trajectories. One needs coordination skills for bringing coordination among the different levels of the organization.
Skills at using relevant technology are needed for they aid in fulfilling the charge of enabling people to work more efficiently. Patience, strength to work under pressure, and determination to meet deadlines despite obstacles are necessary as well.

Hierarchy in Organizational Behavior Career
Considering the expanse of knowledge and the great number of expert skills required in this, Organizational Behavior is for experienced professionals, who have had wide exposure to interacting with and inspiring people.

Hard working people with the requisite qualifications, who have dedicated years to developing their competencies and understanding organizational dynamics are fit for this field. Post undergraduate education, it is desirable that one work to develop functional expertise, and take up opportunities that allow greater contribution and skill enhancement. Shaping leadership and management – particularly people management – perspectives through MBA allows a greater push towards the envisioned position.

With continued advancement in skills, one becomes enabled to take up responsibilities towards Organizational Behavior, and contribute, through leveraging past learning and experiences, to enhanced performance, productivity, and satisfaction.

Experience in this can take one further ahead, increasing responsibilities, contributions, and success.

Pros of a Career in Organizational Behavior
A position in Organizational Behavior domain offers opportunities to learn and make others learn. It helps one to contribute to the growth of many individuals and to the growth of organizations too. It offers chances to resolve a wide range of problems afflicting individuals and organizations. Therefore, this field affords opportunities for making worthwhile contributions and bringing significant changes. For one truly aspiring for impactful leadership, this career option becomes very exciting and satisfying.
In helping forge stronger relations within teams and improving employee retention, one gets opportunities to connect well and form bonds with people too. Such bonds and interactions they lead to add to one’s exposure and experiences. Thus, this career, in putting one in charge of development of others brings about one’s personal development too.

Cons of a Career in Organizational Behavior
The responsibilities and commitments are many, and therefore, the time and effort dedication is substantial. Having to constantly reevaluate the needs of the organization can be challenging. A lot of alertness and mental agility is required for acutely observing and meticulously analyzing behavior. These can overwhelm one, especially if such charge is held over a long period of time.
Efforts that are put in towards enhancing productivity may take substantial time to pay off. Also, an upward growth or success in output cannot be expected at all points of time. These can be disappointing. Another challenge is posed in dealing with people and giving recommendations to them. Some may feel slighted or discontented if certain changes are suggested.
However, with dedication, tact, and maturity, these cons can be overcome.

Who is a Career in Organizational Behavior good for?
For an experienced professional, able to make sound judgments, this is a good option for taking up, provided the right learning background and requisite skills are there. Interpersonal skills and passion for positive change are too crucial for this. Self-motivation and the will to grow as well as help others grow can take one far.

Best Companies for a Career in Organizational Behavior

• Cognizant Technology Solutions
• Tech Mahindra
• Deloitte LLP
• Mindtree Limited
• FM Global
• ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company
• Hilton Worldwide
• IBM Corporation
• Verizon
• MGM Resorts International