Emerging Trends in OB

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Emerging Trends in OB

Published by: Prastu Regmi

Published date: 24 Jul 2024

Emerging Trends in OB

Emerging Trends in OB

Different experts in OB have presented different emerging trends in OB. Here we describe in detail the trends presented by Keith Davis as these trends seem simple, comprehensive, and much more universally applicable.

From To
Closed System Open System
Materialistic Orientation Human Orientation
Centralized Power Distributed Power
Extrinsic Motivation Intrinsic Motivation
Negative attitude toward people Positive attitude toward people
Imposed Discipline Self Discipline
Authoritative managerial role              Managerial role of leadership and team support
Focus on organization needs Balanced focus on employee and organizational need

1. Open System

An open system is composed of subsystems and the focus is on integration of them and getting a synergy(work together) effect. Previously an organization was considered a closed system.

2. Human Orientation

Many managers in the past viewed that employees come to the workplace to satisfy their economic need only. Today, the expectations of employees have changed a lot. Therefore, managerial practices have been changed more towards cooperation, teamwork, support, and guidance. 

3. Distributed Power

Under the classical organizational structure, people were viewed only as a means of production. Power was in the hands of managers, only employees were powerless. Organizations followed the centralization of authority. But now, the trend is towards participation and empowerment of people in organizations.

4. Intrinsic / Internal Motivation

The focus of managers previously was mostly on extrinsic motivation. The factors in this category are salary, supervision, job security, company policy, etc; in recent years managers have started offering more intrinsic motivational factors to their employees. 

5. Balanced Force

Objectives, needs, and feelings of employees were neglected in an organization. But late on, managers realized that there should be mutuality of interest. The result is that there is a balanced focus on employee and organizational needs. So, managers have started formulating superordinate goals.

6. Self-Discipline

The emerging trend in OB is towards self-discipline which produces higher results and costs less. It is achieved by managers through creating an environment where employees take themselves as a citizen of the organization. In this type of situation, employees are self-motivated, self-controlled, and guided by their judgment.

7. Leadership and Team Support

An authoritative managerial role is characterized by power exercise, getting respect, dependence on the boss, and a negative attitude towards subordinates resulting in minimum performance, reward, and low job satisfaction. This situation forced managers to adopt the managerial role of leadership and team support increasing motivation, performance, and job satisfaction.

Critical Behavioral Issues Confronting the Managers

Noticeable confronting challenges for managers in OB are discussed below:

  • Responding to economic pressure
  • Responding to globalization
  • Managing workforce diversity
  • Improving customer service
  • Improving people skills
  • Stimulating innovation and change
  • Coping with temporary workforce
  • Working in networked organizations
  • Helping employees balance work-life conflicts
  • Creating a positive work environment
  • Improving ethical behavior

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes is known as Cognitive Dissonance. 

Signs and symptoms of CD:

  • Discomfort and Tension
  • Mental Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Guilt
  • Avoidance
  • Rationalization
  • Change in Beliefs
  • Change in Behavior
  • Regret
  • Denial

FAQs About Topic
The attitude has moved from a materialistic approach, in which employees were primarily viewed as economic agents, to a humanistic one. Modern firms understand the value of cooperation, teamwork, support, and guidance in meeting the different needs and expectations of employees.
The managerial job has evolved from one of authority, in which managers wielded power and demanded conformity, to one of leadership, emphasizing team support. Modern managers prioritize encouraging, directing, and assisting their people to improve performance and job happiness.
Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. In the workplace, it can manifest as discomfort, tension, mental stress, anxiety, guilt, avoidance, rationalization, changes in beliefs or behavior, regret, and denial.