A friend suggests that organizational behavior courses are useful only to people who will enter management careers. Discuss the accuracy of your friend’s statement.

Undoubtedly, many individuals will specialize in a distinct field of study and enter careers other than management. However, they too will be members in work organizations. As such, the three main reasons for studying organizational behavior (understanding, predicting, influencing) will benefit them as well. 

 You may think of this technical knowledge/ skills as providing “what” you need to know and be able to do to be successful in your chosen field. On the other hand, OB knowledge benefits everyone by addressing the people issues needed to apply technical knowledge and skills. 

 Knowledge of OB provides valuable knowledge of “how” to address these people issues when applying accounting, marketing, engineering and other ideas in organizational settings. Ultimately, an individual’s career success is largely determined by his or her ability to understand and apply concepts in motivation, communication, team dynamics and other OB topics.   

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