Organisational Behaviour Essay Sample

Introduction Of Organisational Behaviour

Organisational behaviour is defined as the study relating to individuals and group and their interaction within the organisation. This particularly deals with the way how the individuals work within the team to attend to the objectives of the business. This field generally includes analysis of different factors and the impact being created over the behaviour of employees within the company. The present studies are based on Marks and Spencer which is a British multinational retailer. The company was founded in the year 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer and is headquartered in London.

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The present essay will outline the changing management practices from the early 20th century till the present. In addition to this, it will also highlight the current theories and practices used in organisational behaviour. Furthermore, the analysis of personality individual differences and the use of different motivational theories will be applied. In addition to this influence of organisational culture and structure on the performance of employees will be outlined. Moreover, the ways of managing groups and teams will be highlighted along with the concept of learning organisations.

Main Body

Examining changing management practices from the 20th century

Management is defined as the art of getting work done by others effectively and efficiently. For an effective business, it is very necessary that the management practises are properly and effectively implemented before stopping. This is very necessary because if the work is not managed efficiently, it will have a negative impact on the performance of the company, and alternately, the objectives of the business will not be attained. Since the 20th century, there has been great evolution and amendment within management practises and theories (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2019). This is particularly true because when the company operates, changes automatically occur, and these changes result in the development of new things. Hence, with the help of this, it can be stated that new modifications have continuously been taking place within the management practises. These management practises are very important for Marks and Spencer to use, as they provide guidance to the company so they can manage the work effectively and efficiently.

The earlier management practise that companies can follow is the scientific management theory. This is a Theory being proposed by Frederick Taylor, who is one of the earliest managers here. This theory states that there is only one right way of doing anything (Kondalkar, 2020). This is a type of Management practise that assists in improving the efficiency of the work course so that the objectives of the business can be obtained effectively. It requires the use of scientific methods for doing the work and attaining the objectives of the business. This theory emphasises the logical reasons behind every action taken for the achievement of the business objective.

Along with this, another Management Theory being applied by Mark and Spencer is contingency Management Theory. This is a kind of theory that states that there is not a single way to manage every situation. This is particularly true because every situation is different, and the same kind of strategy cannot be applied to every situation. Hence, it simply means that for every situation, a new strategy needs to be developed in order to maintain the work. This theory states that it is important for a leader to manage the situation, as they are responsible for initiating strategies for solving any situation. Hence, according to this theory, a leader must be very quick at identifying the style of management technique that is applicable in a particular situation and how the objective will be met with the help of that strategy.

With the passage of time, many new changes have been made within the management practises as well. In recent times, the major management practise that has been applied by Marks and Spencer is human relations theory. This is a Theory being developed by Elton Mayo, full stop. This theory states that effective human relations must be maintained in order to have a good working environment (Wilson, 2017). This school of organisation focuses on having higher verbal satisfaction and promoting an informal workplace environment so that people are comfortable while working within the company. All these management theories and practises are very helpful for Marks and Spencer in improving the efficiency of the business and trying to meet the objectives of the business effectively.

Concepts, and theories within organizational behaviour

Organisational behaviour is defined as analysing the behaviour of individuals while working within a team and the organisation. Every person is different, and it is not necessary that they behave similarly. Hence, for this, it is very essential that an effective analysis of the behaviour of employees be undertaken (Coccia, 2018). This analysis of the behaviour of employees within the organisation assists in identifying the areas where the company needs to improve. Thus, continuous monitoring of the behaviour of employees is necessary. For this, there are different theories relating to organisational behaviour that can be used in order to evaluate the requirements of the employees and how they will be managed to attain the objectives of the business.

The different types of modern theories that are used by Marks and Spencer to keep the employees motivated and happy are as follows:

Quantitative theory: The quantitative theory is the one that includes the research and quantification of the problem. Within this type of theory, the use of numbers, facts, and figures is being implemented. This is particularly being used by Marks and Spencer in order to ensure that accurate results are found. The reason behind this factor in the current competitive environment is very tough, and to make the problem easier, it is necessary to use numbers in order to evaluate the issue. Hence, for managing all these issues, the use of numbers, packs, and figures will be helpful for Marks and Spencer in order to identify the problem and try to find solutions to it.

System theory: Along with this, the use of system theory is also included within modern theory. System theory is also employed by Marks and Spencer. A system is being regarded as a set of elements relating to management activity. This is a kind of system that includes a series of steps that are being followed in order to complete a given task (Wilson, 2018). For the effective management of the company and its services, it is very necessary that a particular system be followed. If the system is not followed, then there will not be proper directions given to the employees on how they will manage the work. And a proper plan of action needs to be decided in advance so that the work can be done accordingly.

Behaviourist theory: Another theory that is helpful in managing organisational behaviour is behavioural Management Theory. This is another modern Management Theory that focuses on concentrating on the areas that motivate the workforce. This theory is helpful to Mark Spencer as it provides a basis for how the company can analyse the behaviour of employees and try to motivate them. With the help of this theory, a company can identify the ways in which it motivates its employees to work hard (Singh, 2020). Hence as a result of this, Marks and Spencer can try to motivate the employees, which ultimately will improve the efficiency of the business. The use of behavioural theory is very helpful for Marks and Spencer as it will keep employees motivated, and as a result, efficiency of working will be improved. Thus, as a result of this, the objectives of the business will be met effectively, and it can grow well.

Understanding of personality, individual differences and use of motivation theories and their application

Personality is defined as the characteristic and behaviour of the person which makes them unique and different from others. This includes different traits, beliefs, emotional level and many other related aspects which make the person distinguished from others. The individual difference is the capabilities wherein they are different from one another. There are some of the key specific capabilities which the person possesses and it is different from other people. The individual difference outlines the key capability of the person and this differentiates them from others. The personality and individual difference are all different for every employee. Hence, it is necessary for them to keep the employees motivated and happy. Hence, for this effective motivational strategy must be used by Marks and Spencer in order to keep them happy and satisfied.

Hence, for this Marks and Spencer undertakes the use of different motivational theories and order to keep the employees happy and satisfied. The first motivational theory being used by Marks and Spencer is Maslow's need hierarchy theory. Just theory focuses on needs of the people and it identifies 5 different categories of need. This theory starts with satisfying the physiological needs which are very basic to the person. After the security needs come which includes the job security and other related aspects (Alessio and et.al., 2019). Furthermore Social needs come which includes the need of belonging us among a social group. There after comes the self esteem needs where in the person Instinct for Esteem and growth within their career. At last, come the self actualization need which is the transformation of frame into reality. This is the last need with the person derive for. Thus, with this theory Marks and Spencer can provide motivation to employees as it will satisfy all the needs for which a person works.

For keeping the employees motivated Marks and Spencer also undertake the use of Adams equity theory for motivating the employees. This is a Theory which emphasizes on balance between the inputs and the output (Bratton and et.al., 2020). This theory states that there must be equal balance between the output and the input being provided by the employees. The input is being referred to as the efforts which the employee makes to complete the task within the company. On the other hand the output refers to as the outcome which the input has provided to the Employees. Hence this theory states that there must be a balance between the input and the output being generated by the employee.

Hence the use of all these motivational theories provides a base to Marks and Spencer for keeping the employees motivated. This motivation is very necessary as it encourages employees to work efficiently and attain the objectives of the business. In addition to this all these motivational theories and models being applicable to the company are very important for effective working of the company. It encourages employees to work in better environment and employees are also engaged with the company. This is very crucial for the reason that employees will be happy to work within the workplace as company is taking care of them effectively. Hence, as a result of this employees are also connected with the company and they tend to improve their performance so that the overall company objectives can be attained.

Influence of organisational culture and structure

The organisational culture is defined as beliefs and values which the company follows and wishes that employee behaviour must also include. The culture is referred to as the environment which is being created by the company for the effective working of the employees. In case organisational culture will not be good and effective then employees will not be comfortable working within the company. Hence Marks and Spencer must maintain good and comfortable organisational culture so that employees can work better and attain the objectives of the business (Martin ed., 2017). For the effective management of the organisational culture Marks and Spencer focuses on Handy's culture model.

• Power- The power culture is the one where power is divided among some people and they only have the authority to take decisions.
• Task- The next culture is the task culture. Within this type of culture, teams are being formed for attaining the objectives of the business and to complete all the critical problems.
• Role- Another culture present within the Handy culture model is role culture (Halliday, 2019). Within this type of culture, the work is delegated according to the roles and responsibilities in which the employee is having a specialisation.
• Person- The person culture is the last culture under Handy's culture model. Within this type of culture, the employees feel that they are crucial to the company. This culture majorly emphasizes the employees only and not the organisation as a whole.

From all the four cultures the most preferable for Marks and Spencer is the task culture. This is particularly because of the reason that within this type of culture, teams are being formed to complete the task (Stavrinoudis and Kakarougkas, 2017). When the work is being done and the team then it provides a clear base for working and increases the efficiency of working and ultimately results in the attainment of business objectives.

Along with culture, it is also necessary for Marks and Spencer that the focus on organisational structure is well. The organisational structure is defined as a system which includes the order of direction. This structure provides a guideline to the employees that from where they will get the instructions and how they will do the work will stop it provides the flowchart of doing the work. There are different types of structures which can be followed within the company. The most preferable structure which will be suitable for Marks and Spencer is the use of a hierarchical structure by company undertakes the use of hierarchical structure to guide the Employees. This is a common type of organisational structure where the chain of command is being followed. The power flows from the top to the down direction within the hierarchical structure.

Within the structure, the chain of command starts from the senior management or the owners of the business and then it divides step by step among the hierarchy. This type of structure is more suitable for Marks and Spencer as it will provide a base and all the responsibility will be divided by the top management only and it will be helpful for employees to follow it. The benefit of using a hierarchical structure is that it assists in problem-solving (El-Ebiary, Ghanem and Almandeel, 2020). This is pertaining to the fact that when the employees work continuously and with proper direction from top to down then it results in solving the problem effectively. The reason underlying this fact is that when any problem comes then employees brainstorm it and try to find better and more creative solutions. Hence, as a result, this problem is being solved and it creates a positive impact on the working of the business.

Managing groups and team

Team working is defined as a concept where more than two people work together on a single project. When a company is run then there are lot many employees were working over it. All these employees need to work as a team so that the objectives of the business can be attained (Arnulf, Larsen and Martinsen, 2018). In case all the employees will not be working as a team then it will be affecting the efficiency of the business and overall objectives will not be attended. Hence Marks and Spencer must focus on team working and manage these teams well. For this, the first step is to build the team effectively. In case the team build is not good and employees within the team are not working well then the objective of the business will not be attained.

The effective management of the team is very important because if they will not be working in a better way then the objectives of the business will not be attained. Hence, for this, it is necessary for Marks and Spencer that they effectively build the team. The use Tuckman team development theory is being used. This theory includes five different stages wherein the first stage is forming. Within this stage, the people capable of working within the team are selected and the team is formed (Shier, Handy and Jennings, 2019). Further, the second stage is storming, wherein the process of organizing tasks starts. Here team members are allowed to meet one another so that they can get comfortable and can work smoothly. After that comes the stage of norming wherein the rules and regulations of working within the team are defined. This is very necessary as a code of conduct is necessary when more people work together. Thereafter, comes the stage of performing where actual activities are performed in the direction of attaining the objectives for which the team is formulated. At last, comes the stage of adjourning wherein after attaining the objective of a team, it is ended. All the employees working within the team now work individually after attaining all objectives.

After forming a good team, it is also very necessary for Marks and Spencer to define the roles effectively. The reason underlying the fact is that when roles within the team are mentioned then works take place smoothly (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2019). Thus, for defining the roles accurately, Marks and Spencer undertake the use of the Belbin team role. With this theory, there are 3 major roles which can be used that is action-oriented, people-oriented and thought-oriented. The action-oriented role is the one which majorly focuses on taking action to complete the task. Here the major focus is on using accurate actions so that the working can be improved. Another category of role includes people-oriented where the focus is on people and their capability of working. This is very necessary because the company must focus on the people working within the company (Dutta and Khatri, 2017). In case people will not be happy then they will not work properly. Another category of grouping roles is thought-oriented. Within this role, people having similar thinking are grouped and provided the same work. This is done to ensure that all the people will be working in a better and more effective way and it will result in better attainment of business objectives. Thus, for defining the role, Marks and Spencer focus on an action-oriented role. This is particularly because of the reason that this role motivates the employees to direct the action towards attainment of the business objectives.

Learning organizations

The concept of learning organisation states that it is an entity which focuses on continuous learning and the creation of knowledge at any level of work. This concept emphasises the importance of adapting to the changes taking place within the external environment. In the current competitive environment, there are many different changes taking place frequently. In case changes will not be adopted by the company then it might become obsolete and consumers will not like working with those companies (KEBEDE, 2020). Learning organisation is very necessary to be implemented in every organisation. The learning Organisation emphasizes acquiring new knowledge within the external environment and trying to improve performance through the implementation of that new knowledge.

Within the learning organisations, the concept of learning is not at all limited to formal training programs rather it focuses on informal training and sharing of knowledge as well. This is particularly necessary because the organisation includes many different people coming from different backgrounds. It is necessary that every person possesses some specific qualities and when they work together then these qualities are shared among them and other people also learn new things from others (Kondalkar, 2020). Hence, the organisation must always be a learning organisation even if the companies running successfully. This is necessary as any new change within the market will be adapted and implemented within the business.

Characteristics of the learning organization

• Building a shared vision- This is the first characteristic of a learning organisation which involves building a shared Vision. When Marks and Spencer work then the major aim of the company is to have a single vision for every person working (Kwarteng and Aveh, 2018). This is necessary because the ultimate goal of every person is to develop. Pencil results in building a shared vision as every person will work on the same vision then it will result in attaining that vision easily.
• Personal mastery- Another characteristic of Marks and Spencer as a learning organisation is personal mastery. This is the key characteristic as when people work together then they tend to learn things from others. Continuous learning is present work while working within a team and as a result of this, every person becomes a master in their working area.
• Team learning- Another major characteristic of working as a learning organisation for marks in Spencer is team learning. This is particularly because of the reason that the culture being followed by Marks and Spencer is team culture and when continuous learning is focused then it results in overall team learning. This team learning assists in developing the business and to attend the objectives easily
• System thinking- Along with this another characteristic of complaint with learning organisation for Marks and Spencer is system thinking. This is the major characteristic which includes viewing the company as a complex system where the different components and individuals interact and communicate with each other to solve complex issues. This idea is made for encouraging the business and to identify different patterns of working easily.

Following the concept of learning organization provides many different types of benefits to Marks and Spencer. The various benefit enjoyed by Marks and Spencer by using learning organization is as follows-

• The major benefit enjoyed by the company is that employees will be more motivated. The reason underlying the fact is that when continuous learning will be provided by a company then this will motivate employees to work well (Puncreobutr, 2017). This will provide employees with both personal and professional development. Hence, this will increase employee engagement and they will be working well in the direction of attaining the objectives of the business.
• Along with this another benefit of being a learning organisation by Marks and Spencer is that it results in greater efficiency. This is about the fact that when the employees will be happy working within the company then they will work with greater efficiency. Hence the overall working capability of the business will improve and objectives will be attained well.

Knowledge sharing within the company and leading to success is another benefit of being a learning company. When Marks and Spencer works as a learning company then continuous knowledge is enhanced and as a result of this, the working of employees is much better (What Is a Learning Organization? +Benefits, Core Principles (2023), 2023). This better working results in attaining the business objectives in a better way and overall objectives of both business and employees will be attained.

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Conclusion

With the above essay, it is concluded that organisation behaviour is a key concept for managing the business effectively. It is been regarded as analysing the behaviour of the employees in order to evaluating their working and try to improve it. This is very necessary for Marks and Spencer to have effective use of organisational behavioural theories. They above analysis inferred that use of management practices is very important for the effective working. These management theories included scientific management theory, human relation theory and many others. In addition to this, the concept of organizational behaviour and other modern theories like system theory, and behavioural theory were discussed. Further evaluation and use of motivational theories like Maslow's need hierarchy theory, Adam's equity theory was undertaken. In addition to this evaluation of organisational culture over the performance of the employees was also highlighted. It was analysed that the use of Handy's culture model and hierarchical structure was helpful for Marks and Spencer in analysing the working. Moreover, it was also evaluated that team working is essential and for this use of Tuckman team development and Belbin team role was helpful for Marks and Spencer in managing and maintaining the good team. At last, it was analysed that being a learning organisation is very helpful for Marks and Spencer to grow and adapt to the latest changes being taking place within the external environmental.

References

Books and Journals

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• Dutta, S. and Khatri, P., 2017. Servant leadership and positive organizational behaviour: The road ahead to reduce employees' turnover intentions. On the Horizon.
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• Singh, K., 2020. Organizational Behaviour Text and Cases.
• Stavrinoudis, T. and Kakarougkas, C., 2017. A theoretical model of weighting and evaluating the elements defining the change of organizational culture. InTourism, culture and heritage in a smart economy(pp. 221-237). Springer, Cham.
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Online

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