Question

Assertion (A): Behavioral theory is interdisciplinary, drawing from sociology and psychology to study actual organizational behavior.

Reason (R): It rejects quantification and systematization, favoring normative prescriptions over empirical verification.

• A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true, but R is false
• D. A is false, but R is true

Answer 1

Answer:

C. A is true, but R is false

Behavioral Theory in Organizational Studies

• Assertion (A) - True: The behavioral theory of administration is indeed interdisciplinary. It extensively draws upon insights from sociology and psychology to understand and analyze how individuals and groups behave within an organizational setting. This approach shifted the focus from formal structures to the human element and social interactions.
• Key figures associated with this school of thought include Elton Mayo (Hawthorne Studies), Chester Barnard, and Abraham Maslow.
• The Hawthorne Studies, conducted at the Western Electric Company's plant in Cicero, Illinois, between 1924 and 1932, were pivotal in demonstrating the impact of psychological and social factors on worker productivity.
• The theory emphasizes concepts like motivation, leadership, group dynamics, communication, and employee morale as critical determinants of organizational effectiveness.
• Reason (R) - False: The statement that behavioral theory rejects quantification and systematization and favors normative prescriptions over empirical verification is incorrect. While it does focus on qualitative aspects of human behavior, it does not inherently reject quantification or systematization. In fact, many aspects of behavioral research, especially in modern organizational behavior, utilize empirical methods, surveys, statistical analysis, and systematic observation to test hypotheses and verify findings. The theory aims to provide descriptive and predictive insights based on empirical evidence rather than solely normative (how things *should* be) prescriptions. It seeks to understand *why* people behave the way they do in organizations based on observable data and research.
• The development of behavioral theory followed the classical and neoclassical schools, representing a significant evolution in management thought by bringing the 'human factor' to the forefront.