Types of Organisational Behaviour: Meaning, Objective & Features

The types of organisational behaviour help us understand how individuals and groups act within organisations. The study of organisational behaviour reveals how people interact, communicate, and work together in pursuit of organisational goals. It allows companies to improve work environments, employee satisfaction, and productivity through analyses of such behaviours. Each of the types has a different function: from autocratic models that rely on authority to collegial models emphasizing teamwork. This knowledge on types of organisational behaviour provides insightful knowledge for building effective and harmonious workplaces.

What is Organisational Behaviour?

Organisational behaviour is the study of how people behave in a work setting. It examines the interaction between individuals, groups, and the organisation as a whole. This field of study focuses on understanding human emotions, communication patterns, teamwork, and leadership styles to enhance organisational efficiency and employee well-being.

For example, in a company, employees may have different motivations, personalities, and work habits. Organisational behaviour helps identify these differences and provides tools to align them with company goals. It combines disciplines like psychology, sociology, and management to address workplace challenges.

Features of Organisational Behaviour

Organisational behaviour focuses on understanding how people act and interact within a workplace. It helps businesses improve relationships, productivity, and overall performance by aligning individual and organisational goals.

1. Focus on People: Organisational behaviour emphasizes understanding human actions and motivations in the workplace.
2. Goal-Oriented: The study aims to create better relationships and increase productivity by aligning individual and organisational goals.
3. Interdisciplinary Approach: It draws knowledge from fields like psychology, sociology, and management to address complex workplace dynamics.
4. Dynamic Nature: Organisational behaviour evolves with changing work environments, adapting to new challenges like remote work and cultural diversity.
5. Practical Application: Businesses use insights from organisational behaviour to improve team dynamics, leadership, and communication.

Types of Organisational Behaviour

The types of organisational behaviour classify how individuals and groups behave in different situations. These types help businesses understand and address workplace challenges effectively.

Autocratic Model

The autocratic model is based on authority and power. In this type, leaders make decisions without input from employees. Employees follow orders because of the power held by the leader.

• Key Features: Focuses on discipline and control. Employees have little to no decision-making power. Motivates workers through fear and compliance.
• Example: A factory manager enforces strict rules and expects workers to follow them without question to meet production targets.
• Advantages: Quick decision-making. Clear authority structure.
• Disadvantages: Limits creativity and innovation. May lower employee morale.

Custodial Model

The custodial model emphasizes employee security and welfare. Organisations provide benefits like healthcare, pensions, and job stability to motivate employees.

• Key Features: Focuses on employee satisfaction. Creates a sense of loyalty and dependence on the organisation. Motivates employees through financial and security benefits.
• Example: A company offering extensive employee benefits like free meals, insurance, and childcare services.
• Advantages: Increases job satisfaction. Reduces employee turnover.
• Disadvantages: May not encourage high performance or innovation. Employees may become overly dependent on benefits.

Supportive Model

The supportive model focuses on leadership and teamwork. Leaders support employees by providing guidance and encouragement, fostering a positive work environment.

• Key Features: Emphasizes collaboration and mutual respect. Encourages open communication. Motivates employees by addressing their emotional and psychological needs.
• Example: A team leader providing regular feedback and offering support to help team members meet their goals.
• Advantages: Boosts morale and motivation. Encourages creativity and problem-solving.
• Disadvantages: May require significant time and effort from leaders. This Model can be less effective in rigid or highly hierarchical organisations.

Collegial Model

The collegial model emphasizes partnership and shared responsibility. Employees work as a team and feel equally accountable for the organisation’s success.

• Key Features: Encourages trust and teamwork. Promotes self-discipline and mutual respect. Focuses on employee empowerment.
• Example: A start-up where employees collaborate on projects and share ideas to solve problems collectively.
• Advantages: Fosters innovation and creativity. Builds strong team relationships.
• Disadvantages: May be challenging to implement in larger organisations. Requires employees to be highly motivated and self-driven.

Objectives of Organisational Behaviour

The objective of organisational behaviour is to create a harmonious and efficient workplace. It aims to understand and improve employee interactions, job satisfaction, and overall productivity.

1. Enhancing Employee Performance: Organisational behaviour studies identify factors that motivate employees to perform better. For instance, recognition and rewards boost morale and productivity.
2. Improving Communication: It focuses on fostering open and effective communication among employees and management to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Encouraging Teamwork: Understanding group dynamics helps build cohesive teams that work efficiently toward shared goals.
4. Developing Leadership Skills: Organisational behaviour helps identify and cultivate leadership qualities, creating effective leaders who inspire their teams.
5. Managing Change: The study equips organisations to adapt to changes like technological advancements or restructuring by understanding employee responses.
6. Resolving Conflicts: By analyzing interpersonal relationships, organisational behaviour provides strategies to resolve conflicts and maintain harmony in the workplace.

Organisational Behaviour FAQs

What are the varieties of organisational behaviour?

The kinds are the autocratic model, custodial model, supportive model, and collegial model based on different methods of management and teamwork.

What is the purpose of organisational behaviour?

To improve working harmony and productivity by comprehending and bettering working relations and performance

How does organisational behaviour support teamwork?

It builds cohesive teams that work towards shared goals by studying group dynamics and communication.

What is the difference between supportive and collegial models?

The supportive model focuses on leadership and guidance, while the collegial model emphasizes teamwork and shared responsibility.

Why is organisational behaviour important?

It helps businesses improve communication, resolve conflicts, motivate employees, and adapt to changes, ensuring long-term success.