Behavioral science uses research and the scientific method to
determine and understand behavior in the workplace.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE [ edit ]
Define the behavioral approaches which maximize potential within a company or organization
KEY POINTS [ edit ]
Behavioral science draws from a number of different fields and theories, primarily those of
psychology, socialneuroscience, and cognitive science.
One application of the behavioral­science approach can be seen in a field called
organizational development.Organizational development is an ongoing, systematicprocess of
implementing effective organizational change.
Behavioral sciences include relational sciences, which deal with relationships,
interaction, communication networks, associations, and relational strategies.
Combined, the behavioral science approach is broadly about understanding individual
and group behavioral dynamics to initiate meaningful organizational development.
TERM [ edit ]
organizational development
An ongoing, systematic process of implementing effective organizational change using theories
from behavioral sciences.
Give us feedback on this content: FULL TEXT [ edit ]
Behavioral science draws from a number of different fields and theories, primarily those of
psychology, social neuroscience, and cognitive science. Behavioral science uses research and
the scientific method to determine and understand behavior in the workplace. Many of the
theories in the behavioral perspective are included in the behavioral­science approach
to management. For example,
the Hawthorne studies used the scientific
method and are considered to be a part of
the behavioral­science approach.
Behavioral science within the business
managementenvironment is a specific
application of this field, and employs a
number of specific types of behavioral
observations. This includes concepts such
as information processing, relationships
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and motivation, and organizational
development.
Information Processing
Information processing involves determining how people process stimuli in their
environment. This field deals with the processing of stimuli from the social environment by
cognitive entities in order to engage in decision making, social judgment, and
social perception. The field is particularly concerned with information processing as it relates
to individual functioning and the survival of an organism in a social environment.
Relationships
Behavioral sciences also include relational sciences that deal with relationships, interaction,
communication networks, associations, and relational strategies or dynamics between
organisms or cognitive entities in a social system. The emphasis on using quantitative data
and qualitative research methods to determine how people process information and
understand social relationships is important to helping managers better understand the
proven methods for increasing employee motivation and employee productivity. The
behavioral­science approach and the myriad of fields it encompasses is the most common
study of management science today.
Organizational Development
The primary application of the behavioral­science approach can be seen in the field of
organizational development. Organizational development is an ongoing, systematic process
of implementing effective organizational change. Organizational development is considered
both a field of applied behavioral science that focuses on understanding and managing
organizational change as well as a field of scientific study and inquiry. It uses components of
behavioral sciences and studies in the fields of sociology, psychology, and theories of
motivation, learning, and personality toimplement effective organizational change and aid in
the development of employees.
Organization triangle
This illustration demonstrates the way in which individuals and culture behaves in the context of the
process and structure to develop organizations.
Combined, the behavioral­science approach is broadly about understanding individual and
group behavioral dynamics to initiate meaningful organizational development. The study of
human behavior in the context of organizational change is an integral part of
empowering organizations to grow, adapt, and learn to capture competitive advantage.