Contemporary Trends in OB

Purpose: Organizational behaviour involves understanding individual, team, and organization-wide processes that provide an opportunity for businesses to understand how people come together to complete a variety of tasks and activities. Given that organizations operate within an open system- that is, they are influenced by internal and external forces that impact their operations, organizations need to respond to these trends promptly to maintain their efficiency and effectiveness.

The purpose of this assignment is to examine the current organizational trends that organizations are currently facing. These trends will be examined throughout the course and this discussion will provide a framework for understanding the concepts discussed moving forward.

Time frame: Approximately 45 minutes (10 minutes to identify organizational trends, 15 minutes to research, 20 minutes for classroom presentations and discussion).

Instructions:

1. In groups of 4 -5 people discuss some of the challenges that organizations are currently confronted with.
2. Pick one trend to learn about in more detail.
3. Define the trend and highlight the key stakeholders impacted by the trend.
4. Discuss the challenges or threats that this trend could have on the organization.
5. Discuss the opportunities or benefits that this trend could have on the organization.
6. Examine how organizational behaviour concepts could help address these issues (design thinking)
7. Be prepared to discuss your findings with the class.