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Organizational Behavior
Bridging Science and Practice

v5.0 Talya Bauer and Berrin Erdogan

Chapter 1 Organizational Behavior and You

Finger pressing blue key labeled Organizational Behavior on a black keyboard.

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. What are the emerging trends that will influence OB?

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

  5. How can I maximize my learning and retention?

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