PSYCHOLOGY

Work and Organizational Psychology

Work and Organizational Psychology

Introduction

The study examined the two main theories in the context of work and organizational psychology, namely 'the theory of planned behavior' and 'the goal setting theory'. The historical perspective of these theories with their descriptions and core functionalities are discussed. A combination of these theories is taken to identify their importance for the organizational and individual scenario.

For the theory of planned behavior, all the core components that drive the theory are presented. The main purpose of the theory of planned behavior is to identify the relationship between an individual's behavior and intentions along with the attributes and components involved in this relation. The measurement techniques of this theory, the strengths and weaknesses, the limitations, and applications are explored. There is also an example that highlights the implication of the theory of planned behavior with the critical analysis or recommendation for the theory.

For the theory of goal setting, the emphasis has been to explain all forms of goals and methodologies to structure and design them for an organization or a scenario. The components involved in the theory are explored along with the strengths and weaknesses of the theory. According to study and some research there are some advancement made and suggested for the goals setting theory which are presented. Examples from the business world and personal scenario are discussed to clarify the implementation of this theory. The concluding portion is about the critical analysis or suggestions for goal setting theory. This theory has resulted in a successful methodology to motivate and energize employees and enhance the processes and efficiency at the workplace.

Theory of Planned Behavior

In 1975, Icek Ajzen proposed the theory of planned behavior. According to the theory the planned behaviors of an individual are reflected by the attitude towards a certain behavior. Icek Ajzen's theory is used at various places in order to predict behaviors. The theory of planned behavior is based upon the following core determinants:

Behavioral beliefs

Normative beliefs

Control beliefs

Theory of Planned Behavior

All these determinants are dependent on some factors that are individual, social and information. The individual factors include emotions, personality, moods, an individual's abilities, and attitudes. The social factors are the demographics (lifestyle dimensions), background and culture. The final one is information comprised of one's knowledge.

Behavioral beliefs

These are the beliefs linked to the behavior of an individual to certain expected outcomes or the attitude towards behavior and favorable outcomes. The attitude towards behavior is the degree to which a performance behavior is valued, either positively or negatively. The optimistic a person is about the outcome, the better are the results obtained, and vice versa. According to a belief there is a probability that every behavior will produce an outcome. The attitudes of a human are structured into three components: affective component (feeling of an individual for an object), behavioral component (the way one acts or behaves due to influence), and the cognitive component (the information and knowledge of a person for an ...