MODULE 1 : Introduction to Human Behavior in

Organization

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Define Organizational Behavior (OB) and understand its
significance in educational institutions.
2. Explain the importance of OB in improving school leadership,
administration, and faculty-student interactions.
3. Describe key theories and frameworks within OB and their
applications in educational settings.
4. Understand the scope of OB and its role in shaping effective school
environments.

Introduction
In any educational institution, understanding human behavior is essential to
fostering a productive and positive learning environment. The study of Organizational
Behavior (OB) helps school leaders, educators, and students better navigate
interpersonal relationships, leadership roles, and institutional structures.
This will provides a foundational understanding of how individuals, groups, and
organizations interact within educational settings. By exploring key OB concepts, you will
develop the ability to analyze and apply behavioral theories to improve school
administration, faculty collaboration, and student engagement.
As you will engage with this module, you will reflect on practical applications of OB
within schools and explore ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of
educational institutions through behavioral insights.
Let’s begin our journey into Organizational Behavior in Education and discover how
these principles shape the modern learning environment!
Lesson 1: Definition of Organizational Behavior in Education
Definition:
Organizational Behavior (OB) in education refers to the study of how individuals
and groups behave within school systems, including faculty, students, and
administrators, and how institutional structures influence interactions.
Key Components of OB in Schools:
1. Individual Behavior: Teacher attitudes, student motivation, leadership styles, and
decision-making.
 2. Group Behavior: Faculty collaboration, teamwork, conflict resolution, and
professional learning communities (PLCs).
3. Institutional Aspects: School culture, policies, leadership hierarchy, and
management practices.
Case Study for Analysis:

Finland’s Educational Success Through OB

Finland's educational success is often attributed to its unique approach to
organizational behavior within its school system. This approach emphasizes
collaboration, trust, and holistic well-being, creating an environment conducive to effective
learning and teaching.
Key Organizational Behavior Practices in Finnish Education:
1. Teacher Autonomy and Professionalism:
o Curriculum Development: Finnish teachers are granted significant
autonomy in designing and implementing curricula, allowing them to tailor
educational experiences to their students' needs. smithsonianmag.com
o Professional Trust: The education system is built on trust, with minimal
external evaluations, empowering teachers to make decisions that best
support student learning.
2. Collaborative School Culture:
o Teamwork: Schools foster a culture of collaboration among educators,
encouraging the sharing of best practices and collective problem-solving.
o Student Participation: Students are involved in decision-making processes,
promoting a sense of responsibility and community.
3. Holistic Student Well-being:
o Emphasis on Play: Early education prioritizes play-based learning,
recognizing its role in social and cognitive development.
mathandmovement.com
o Minimal Standardized Testing: The focus is on formative assessments that
support learning rather than high-stakes testing, reducing stress and
fostering a love for learning.
Case Studies and Articles for Further Analysis:
1. "Why Are Finland's Schools Successful?" – Smithsonian Magazine
o This article explores the foundational elements of Finland's education
system, highlighting the trust-based culture and the minimalistic approach
to standardized testing. smithsonianmag.com
2. "What US Schools Can Learn From Finland's Approach to Education" – Stanford
Social Innovation Review
o This piece discusses strategies from Finland that could be adapted to
improve school culture and student well-being in the United States. ssir.org
3. "10 Reasons Why Finland's Education System Is the Best in the World" – World
Economic Forum
 o This article outlines key factors contributing to Finland's educational
success, including its holistic teaching environment and emphasis on equity.
weforum.org
• Finland’s schools emphasize collaboration, teacher autonomy, and trust, creating
an environment where students thrive.
• Discussion Points:
o How does Finland’s OB approach contribute to its high-ranking education
system?
o What lessons can other schools learn from Finland’s teacher-student
interactions?
Activity:

Reflection Exercise:
• Define OB in your own words and relate it to a school or university setting.
• Identify an educational institution where OB principles are visible.

Lesson 2: Importance of Organizational Behavior in Educational Management

Why Study OB in Schools?
1. Enhances Teacher Performance: Understanding motivation and job satisfaction
improves faculty engagement.
2. Improves Student-Teacher Relationships: OB helps educators develop better
classroom management and communication strategies.
3. Aids in School Decision-Making: Behavioral insights assist school leaders in
making data-driven policies.
4. Encourages Innovation and Adaptability: Schools with a strong OB foundation
adapt well to curriculum reforms and technological shifts.
5. Boosts Institutional Culture: A positive work environment leads to better student
learning outcomes and faculty retention.
Article for Reading & Analysis:
1. The Impact of Leadership Behavior on School Performance researchgate.net
2. The Impact of Educational Leadership in Improving the Learning Experience
researchgate.net
3. The Impact of Transformational School Leadership on School Staff and Culture
mdpi.com
4. Exploring School Leadership Styles Used to Improve Instruction and Transform
Schools digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu
Answer the following questions:
1. How do OB theories influence school administration, faculty collaboration, and
student engagement?
2. What are the key OB theories applied in educational leadership?
 3. How does organizational behavior impact teacher motivation and student
achievement?
4. What role does communication play in maintaining a healthy organizational
culture in schools?
5. How can school administrators apply OB concepts to manage conflicts among
faculty and staff?
6. What are the best strategies to improve decision-making processes in school
leadership?
7. How do leadership styles affect classroom management and institutional
performance?
8. How can OB theories help foster a more inclusive and diverse school
environment?
Activity:

Class Discussion:
• Discuss the impact of school culture on teacher performance and student
success.
• How do OB principles affect student behavior and learning in a classroom?

Lesson 3: Scope of Organizational Behavior in Schools

Organizational Behavior (OB) in schools examines how individuals, groups, and
institutions interact within an educational setting. Understanding OB helps school leaders,
teachers, and policymakers create an environment that supports learning, professional
growth, and institutional success.
The scope of OB in education is multi-dimensional, covering individual behaviors
(micro-level), group dynamics (meso-level), school-wide culture and policies (macro-
level), and global education trends (global perspective). Additionally, OB in schools
integrates insights from educational psychology, sociology, leadership, and economics to
develop comprehensive strategies for improving school performance.

Dimensions of OB in Education
OB in schools can be analyzed at four levels:
1. Micro-Level Analysis – Focuses on individual behavior of teachers, students, and
administrators.
2. Meso-Level Analysis – Examines group dynamics, teamwork, and faculty
collaboration.
3. Macro-Level Analysis – Deals with school culture, policy-making, and institutional
structures.
4. Global Perspective – Explores how OB varies across international education
systems.
Each level plays a crucial role in shaping the overall functioning and effectiveness of an
educational institution.
1. Micro-Level Analysis: Individual Behavior in Schools
Key Focus:
• Examines the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of students, teachers, and
administrators.
• Investigates motivation, job satisfaction, work ethics, and leadership traits.
Examples in Schools:
• Student Motivation – Why some students perform well while others struggle.
• Teacher Behavior – How teaching styles impact student engagement.
• Administrator Decision-Making – How principals’ leadership styles influence school
performance.
Educational Application:
• Schools should assess teacher and student motivation levels to design programs
that enhance engagement and performance.
• Professional development programs should focus on individual growth, leadership,
and emotional intelligence training.

Example: A principal notices that a teacher struggles with stress and offers mentorship
or workload adjustments to improve job satisfaction.

2. Meso-Level Analysis: Group Dynamics in Schools

Key Focus:
• Examines teamwork, collaboration, faculty relations, and student group
interactions.
• Explores how classroom participation, extracurricular activities, and school
committees function.
Examples in Schools:
• Faculty Collaboration – How well teachers work together to share best practices.
• Team-Based Learning – How students perform in group projects or peer-assisted
learning.
• Conflict Resolution – How faculty members or students handle disagreements.
Educational Application:
• Schools should promote team-based learning and professional learning
communities (PLCs) to enhance collaboration.
• Encourage faculty members to participate in decision-making to improve group
dynamics.

Example: A school notices that students are disengaged in science classes. The
administration introduces collaborative projects where students work in teams to solve
real-world problems, improving engagement and teamwork.
3. Macro-Level Analysis: School Culture & Policies
Key Focus:
• Examines institutional structures, leadership styles, and decision-making
processes.
• Analyzes school culture, policies, funding models, and curriculum design.
Examples in Schools:
• School Culture – How values, traditions, and leadership influence teacher and
student morale.
• Policy Development – How school rules and government regulations impact
education.
• Resource Allocation – How financial decisions affect school operations and student
learning.
Educational Application:
• Schools should foster a positive institutional culture through inclusive policies,
leadership development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Implement fair and transparent policies for faculty promotions, student evaluations,
and discipline procedures.

Example: A school introduces a mentorship program where senior teachers train new
educators to ensure high teaching standards and maintain school culture.

4. Global Perspective: Comparing OB in International Education Systems

Key Focus:
• Explores differences in school leadership, teacher expectations, and learning
methodologies across countries.
• Investigates how global education trends influence school policies.
Examples in Schools:
• Finland’s Education Model – Focuses on student autonomy, teacher
empowerment, and minimal standardized testing.
• Singapore’s Leadership Approach – Emphasizes structured leadership training for
school principals.
• U.S. & UK Models – Highlight data-driven school management and school
accountability systems.
Educational Application:
• Schools should benchmark best practices from successful education systems and
adapt them to their own contexts.
• Use global trends in technology and policy innovation to improve local school
management.
 Example: A school adopts Finland’s teacher autonomy model, allowing teachers to
design customized lesson plans that fit their students' needs.

Interdisciplinary Nature of OB in Education

OB in schools draws insights from multiple disciplines:

Field Focus in Education

Educational
Student motivation, teacher mindset, emotional intelligence.
Psychology

Sociology of Education Group interactions, diversity, and cultural inclusivity.

Educational Leadership Decision-making strategies for school principals.

Financial resource allocation, incentives, and budgeting

School Economics
policies.

1. Educational Psychology & OB

• Examines how cognitive and emotional factors influence student learning and
teacher performance.
• Uses theories like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs & Self-Determination Theory to
improve classroom engagement.
Example: Schools introduce mindfulness programs to help students manage
stress and improve focus.
2. Sociology of Education & OB
• Investigates how social structures, peer interactions, and inclusivity shape
education.
• Encourages diverse classrooms and equity in educational opportunities.
Example: Schools implement inclusive teaching strategies to accommodate
students from different cultural backgrounds.
3. Educational Leadership & OB
• Focuses on decision-making models for school leaders.
• Encourages transformational leadership, where principals inspire and mentor
faculty.
Example: A school adopts collaborative leadership where teachers contribute
to school decisions.
4. School Economics & OB
• Examines how schools allocate resources, manage budgets, and design incentive
structures.
• Investigates how funding impacts student performance and teacher motivation.
Example: Schools increase teacher salaries based on performance metrics to
enhance job satisfaction.
Discussion Questions for Critical Thinking
1. How do individual behaviors (micro-level) influence school-wide culture (macro-
level)?
2. How can group dynamics (meso-level) impact school leadership and decision-
making?
3. Why is school culture important in shaping student and teacher engagement?
4. How do global education trends influence OB in local schools?
5. How can educational psychology help teachers improve student motivation?
6. What are the biggest financial challenges schools face, and how can OB help
manage resources?
7. How can schools use sociology to create more inclusive environments?
Case Study for Analysis:

Singapore’s Educational Leadership Model

Singapore's educational leadership model is renowned for its systematic and
forward-thinking approach, emphasizing both values-based leadership and strategic
capability development. This model integrates traditional Asian values with contemporary
leadership practices to cultivate school leaders who are both morally grounded and adept
at navigating complex educational landscapes.
Key Components of Singapore's Educational Leadership Model:
1. Leaders in Education Program (LEP):
o Objective: The LEP is a rigorous six-month, full-time program designed to
prepare vice principals and Ministry of Education officers for principalship
roles. It focuses on developing leadership that is values-based, purposeful,
and future-oriented.
o Framework: The program employs the "5R5M" framework:
▪ 5R (Roles): Educational, Technical, Human, Symbolic, and Cultural
leadership roles.
▪ 5M (Minds): Ethical, Respectful, Creating, Synthesizing, and
Disciplined mindsets.
o Approach: Participants engage in interactive sessions on leadership and
strategic management, guided by experienced mentors, to navigate
organizational reforms effectively. researchgate.net
2. Cultural Values Influencing Leadership:
o Collectivism: Emphasizes moral leadership and community-oriented
decision-making.
o High Power Distance: Acknowledges hierarchical structures while
promoting respectful relationships.
o Meritocracy: Leaders allocate resources and opportunities based on merit,
ensuring equitable access to educational advancements.
 o Future Orientation: Focuses on preparing students for the evolving global
landscape, integrating long-term planning into educational strategies.
researchgate.net
3. Distributed Leadership:
o Implementation: While hierarchical, Singapore's model incorporates
distributed leadership, encouraging shared responsibilities among staff to
foster a collaborative environment.
o Nuances: The approach balances traditional authority with empowerment,
allowing for effective delegation while maintaining clear leadership
structures. researchgate.net
Case Studies and Articles for Further Analysis:
1. "Understanding Singaporean Educational Leadership" – ResearchGate
o This study examines how Asian and Singaporean cultural values shape
school leadership practices, providing insights into the integration of
traditional values with modern leadership approaches. researchgate.net
2. "Leaders in Education Program: The Singapore Model for Developing Effective
Principal-ship Capability" – ResearchGate
o This article delves into the structure and objectives of the LEP, highlighting
its role in preparing future-ready school leaders through a comprehensive
training framework. researchgate.net
3. "Instructional Leadership Practices in Singapore" – Hong Kong Principals Institute
o This paper explores the instructional leadership approaches of Singaporean
principals, focusing on strategies that align teaching practices with the
nation's educational vision. hkpi.org.hk
• Singapore invests in teacher development, structured leadership training, and
data-driven decision-making.
• Discussion Points:
o How does Singapore apply OB principles to improve student learning?
o What are the strengths and weaknesses of a structured educational
system?
Activity:

Debate:
• “Does a strict educational structure improve learning outcomes more than a
flexible one?”

Assessment Tasks

✔ Quiz: Multiple-choice questions on OB concepts in education.

✔ Case Study Analysis: Choose a school or university and evaluate how it applies OB
principles.
✔ Group Discussion: How can OB help school leaders create more effective learning
environments?
✔ Essay: Explain the role of OB in shaping classroom management and student
engagement based on the articles provided.

Recommended References

Books & Research Articles:

1. Fullan, M. (2014). Leading in a Culture of Change. Jossey-Bass.
2. Goleman, D. (2017). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.
Bantam Books.
3. Kotter, J. P. (2022). Leading Change in Schools. Harvard Business Review
Press.
4. Darling-Hammond, L. (2021). The Right to Learn: A Blueprint for Creating
Schools That Work. Jossey-Bass.

Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up Activity

Final Reflection:
• How has this module helped you understand OB in educational settings?
• What key takeaways can be applied to real-life school administration and
teaching?

Presentation Assignment:
• Students will create a 5-minute presentation explaining how OB is applied in a
school or university.

Prepared by:

DR. KIER P. DELA CALZADA

Associate Professor II