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How do people make decisions? How do employees work together? How can employers manage their employees for maximize productivity? These are only a few of the questions studied and answered by students of Organizational Behavior Studies. Human interaction is at the heart of business, and effective interaction—between employees and between managers and employees—is becoming more and more important, especially as the business world becomes more international.

In the field of Organizational Behavior, graduate students learn about employee compensation and motivation, the team dynamics, and what makes a good leader. Students will discuss gender and race issues within the workplace and learn ways to manage them fairly and effectively. Since business is becoming more technological, the curriculum will also include topics such as organizational behavior in the world of the internet. In summary, this subject focuses on what makes a workplace effective, efficient, positive, and pleasant.

The study of Organizational Behavior is interdisciplinary, involving the fields of psychology, sociology, gender studies, labor economics, business, human resources, management, and many others. Some programs combine the field of Organizational Behavior with Human Resources Management. Studies leading to a Ph.D. will involve a great deal of research—there is much in this field to be learned, and many questions to be answered, as the workplace grows and changes on a global scale.

There are several degree options for Organizational Behavior. Some programs offer a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Organizational Behavior, which is usually a two-year program. Some programs combine Organizational Behavior with studies in Human Resources, typically leading to either an M.S. or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. These programs can lead to additional studies which results in a Ph.D.

An MBA with an emphasis on Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management is another option. This degree provides a broader overview of the business field. Generally speaking, a Ph.D. is sought by students who wish to research and/or teach, while an MBA is pursued by students with an eye on managerial positions.

• What do you hope to achieve through your graduate study? Do you hope to teach or obtain a management position?
• Does the program offer Organizational Behavior Studies alone, or is it combined with another field, such as Human Resources Management?
• What are the research interests of the program’s faculty? Is there someone whose ideas appeal to you?
• What kinds of research projects are the current graduate students pursuing?

Career opportunities for graduates in Organizational Behavior Studies are plentiful. Since these studies give perspective on all types of business, graduates’ skills will likewise be welcome and necessary in all sorts of places. Graduates of an MBA or a Masters program might use their skills as labor relations specialists and help resolve conflicts between employees and managers. They might help monitor and implement equal opportunity laws within companies. They can build careers as managers specializing in employee compensation and benefits administration. Since there will always be people in business, there will always be a need for graduates of Organizational Behavior Studies to help them interact smoothly and effectively.

Students who earn doctorates in this field go on to become teachers and researchers, often making cutting-edge discoveries that lead to new perspectives on human interaction within workplace and beyond. They spend their careers forming new theories on organizational behavior and helping students of business and psychology begin their own careers.

There are no special licensing requirements for a career in Organizational Behavior Studies.

Depending on work experience, type of degree, and type of employment, graduates can earn anywhere from $50,000-$70,000. Salaries can vary significantly and are ultimately dependent on location and type of company.

This site, from Wiley InterScience, offers full-text articles from back issues of the Journal of Organizational Behavior.