Organizational behavior (OB) is the study of how people interact within groups and organizations, and how these interactions affect organizational performance towards its goals. It is an academic field of study that examines human behaviors within organizations. The principles of the study of organizational behavior are applied primarily in attempts to make businesses operate more effectively.

Key areas of research in organizational behavior include improving job performance, increasing job satisfaction, promoting innovation, and encouraging leadership. OB deals with employee attitudes and feelings, including job satisfaction, organizational commitment, job involvement, and emotional labor. Job satisfaction reflects the feelings an employee has about his or her job or facets of the job, such as pay or supervision. Organizational commitment represents the extent to which employees feel attached to their organization.

Organizational behavior also examines how groups function within organizations, including leadership, decision making, power, and conflict. It can help organizations increase employee performance, while also creating a positive working environment. OB can also help managers evaluate a potential job candidate’s skills and personality during the hiring process, allowing human resources to find the best fit for departments within the company.

In summary, organizational behavior is the study of how individuals, groups, and organizations interact and influence one another, and how these interactions affect organizational performance towards its goals. It is an academic field of study that examines human behaviors within organizations, and its principles are applied primarily in attempts to make businesses operate more effectively.