Observing the Behavior of Organisms in Organizational Behavior Management

ABSTRACT

Observation and replication of observed behavior are two key components to organisms surviving and flourishing. In a corresponding manner, people observe the behavior of others in organizations, replicating adaptive while avoiding detrimental behaviors. Learning by observation allows workers to develop repertoires in which adaptive behaviors are reinforced while maladaptive behaviors undergo extinction or are socially and financially punished. Moreover, observers often improve their own performance when monitoring and recording the behavior of others. However, observers also might replicate inappropriate behavior. Imitation, observational learning, observational performance, and rule-governed behavior are discussed in these contexts. Finally, being viewed by others frequently enhances worker responding and accomplishments. These behaviors occur at the individual, group, and organizational levels, allowing some workers, teams, and organizations to flourish.

KEYWORDS:

• Imitation
• modeling
• observational performance
• observer effect
• reactivity
• rule-governed behavior
• social facilitation

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank Shaylee Beetley, Brian Davis, Kesang Deker, Noelle Jandowski, and Emily Prout for their help with data collection for parts of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).