Theories of Organizational Behaviour
1. **Scientific Management Theory**
- Developed by Frederick Taylor in the early 20th century.
- Emphasizes efficiency and productivity through systematic study of work methods.
- Example: Standardizing tasks and using time-motion studies to optimize workflows in manufacturing.
2. **Human Relations Theory**
- Emerged from the Hawthorne Studies (1920s-1930s) by Elton Mayo.
- Focuses on the social needs of workers and the importance of group dynamics.
- Example: Implementing team-building activities to enhance employee morale and productivity.
3. **Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs**
- Proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943.
- Suggests human needs are arranged in a hierarchy: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
- Example: Providing competitive salaries (physiological needs), safe working conditions (safety needs), and opportunities for career advancement (esteem needs).
4. **Theory X and Theory Y**
- Developed by Douglas McGregor in the 1960s.
- Theory X assumes employees are inherently lazy and need strict supervision.
- Theory Y assumes employees are self-motivated and thrive on responsibility.
- Example: Adopting Theory Y management style by encouraging employee participation in decision-making processes.
5. **Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory**
- Proposed by Frederick Herzberg in 1959.
- Identifies hygiene factors (e.g., salary, working conditions) that prevent dissatisfaction and motivators (e.g., recognition, achievement) that promote job satisfaction.
- Example: Enhancing job roles to include more meaningful tasks to increase employee satisfaction.
6. **Equity Theory**
- Developed by John Stacey Adams in the 1960s.
- Suggests employees seek fairness in their work relationships and compare their inputs and outcomes with those of others.
- Example: Ensuring fair and transparent promotion and reward systems to maintain employee motivation.
7. **Expectancy Theory**
- Proposed by Victor Vroom in 1964.
- Argues that motivation is a function of expectancy (effort leads to performance), instrumentality (performance leads to rewards), and valence (value of rewards).
- Example: Setting clear performance targets and linking them to desirable rewards to motivate employees.
8. **Social Learning Theory**
- Developed by Albert Bandura in the 1970s.
- Emphasizes learning through observation and imitation of others’ behaviors.
- Example: Implementing mentorship programs where employees learn skills and behaviors from experienced colleagues.
9. **Contingency Theory**
- Emerged in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Suggests there is no one best way to manage; effective management depends on the context and situational factors.
- Example: Adapting leadership style to be more directive in crisis situations and more participative during stable periods.
10. **Transformational Leadership Theory**
- Developed by James MacGregor Burns in the 1970s and expanded by Bernard Bass.
- Focuses on leaders who inspire and motivate followers to achieve higher levels of performance and personal development.
- Example: Leaders who articulate a compelling vision and encourage employees to innovate and take ownership of their work.
11. **Transactional Leadership Theory**
- Focuses on the role of supervision, organization, and group performance.
- Based on a system of rewards and punishments.
- Example: Managers who set clear goals and provide rewards for achieving them, and penalties for failure.
12. **Organizational Culture Theory**
- Explores the values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how members of an organization interact and work together.
- Example: A company with a strong customer-centric culture encourages employees to prioritize customer satisfaction in every decision.
Understanding these theories provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing and improving organizational behaviour, helping to create more effective and adaptive work environments.
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