Different levels of analysis are necessary for understanding individual behavior within organizations because people always act within the context of their environment, which includes both objects and other people. Workers influence their environment and are also influenced by their environment, making the study of organizational behavior a multilevel endeavor. The different levels of analysis used in the field of organizational behavior are the individual level, the group level, and the organizational level.

Individual Level of Analysis. At the individual level of analysis, organizational behavior involves the study of learning, perception, creativity, motivation, personality, turnover, task performance, cooperative behavior, deviant behavior, ethics, and cognition. Personality tests are frequently used, and analysts attempt to understand how different types of people develop and approach their work situations. The relationship between the individual and the work environment is also key at this stage. For

example, a study of organizational behavior at the individual level of analysis might focus on the impact of different types of overhead lighting on such factors as productivity and absenteeism.

Group Level of Analysis. At the group level of analysis, organizational behavior involves the study of group dynamics, intra- and intergroup conflict and cohesion, leadership, power, norms, interpersonal communication, networks, and roles. At this level of analysis, organizational behavior draws upon the sociological and socio-psychological sciences. Personality tests and theories are still used, but analysts are more interested in how personalities work together and how different personalities respond to leadership styles or company cultures.

Organization Level of Analysis. At the organization level of analysis, organizational behavior involves the study of topics such as organizational culture, organizational structure, cultural diversity, inter-organizational cooperation and conflict, change, technology, and external environmental forces. At this level of analysis, organizational behavior draws upon anthropology and political science.

Much of organizational behavior research is ultimately aimed at providing human resource management professionals with the information and tools they need to select, train, and retain employees in a fashion that yields maximum benefit for the individual employee as well as for the organization. The study of organizational behavior is an attempt to maximize the effectiveness of the human asset.

Organizational behavior management utilizes studies of organizational behavior as a tool to improve productivity and profit. There is an attempt to develop scientific principles that improve employee performance. This goes beyond simply understanding the general principles of human behavior in the organizational context and focuses on such specific issues as:

In her 2011 book Key Concepts in Social Responsibility, Suzanne Benn pointed out one of the most modern organization behavior developments, known as stewardship. Stewardship is an attitude that employees adopt toward themselves, their employees, and the company at the same time. It is a holistic approach to an ideal behavior for business success.

The stewardship model is defined by someone who, “given a choice between self-serving behavior and proorganizational behavior…will not depart from the interests of his or her own organization.” A steward has the mindfulness and willpower to avoid opportunistic and greedy behaviors that benefit only the self, while embracing behaviors that benefit the organization and surrounding peers, resulting in better relationships and a thriving business.

Kevin Sheridan, CEO of HR Solutions, warned in a 2011 article on employment trends that as an economy begins to recover from a recession, it is natural for employees to seek new employment. The United States can therefore expected employment retention to become a significant issue in the early 2010s as economic activity increases. As a result, employers must learn how to develop effective, long-term relationships with employees. Dedicated use of social media and lifestyle benefits can help with this positive connections.

As companies become more focused on globalization, organizational behavior is following the trend. Many new treatises deal with how to successful integrate with other cultures, especially Asian cultures, where partnerships and outsourcing is common. These cultures can bring valuable diversity and experience of their own to American companies that are willing to develop relationships. Proper organizational behavior is key to the transition period where both cultures learn to work together.