Introduction to OBM

Overview

This lecture introduces Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), covering its origins, key concepts, scientific models, notable studies, and practical applications in workplace settings.

Introduction to Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)

• OBM applies principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to workplace problems and organizational challenges.
• The focus is on creating motivating environments that drive desired behaviors and improve business outcomes.
• OBM is pragmatic, data-driven, and emphasizes experimental research.
• The field distinguishes itself from correlational approaches in organizational psychology.

Key Elements and Practice of OBM

• OBM teaches leaders to observe and measure behavior, not just personality traits.
• Leaders learn to identify root causes of work problems and remove barriers before taking action.
• Practices include setting behavioral expectations, giving and receiving feedback, using incentives, reinforcement, and praise.
• OBM stresses the importance of positive reinforcement, which is often lacking in typical workplaces.

Scientific Models in OBM

• The ABC Model: Behavior is determined by Antecedents (before) and Consequences (after).
• Solutions may be antecedent-based (e.g., awareness-building) or consequence-based (e.g., feedback, reinforcement).
• OBM is evidence-based and rooted in the seven principles of applied behavior analysis.

Historical Development and Notable Figures

• OBM originated in the late 1950s and 1960s, primarily from work at Harvard with key figures like Dale Brethower and Tom Gilbert.
• Early influential studies include Iwata and Michael's 1959 work with psychiatric nurses using behavioral techniques.
• The field split into several streams with different names: performance management, behavioral leadership, behavior-based safety.

OBM Research, Journals, and Applications

• The Journal of Organizational Behavior Management (JOBM) began in 1977, providing an academic outlet for OBM research.
• Most OBM studies are experimental and conducted in real-world organizational settings.
• OBM is applied in diverse areas: performance improvement, leadership training, safety, customer satisfaction, technology adoption, and more.

Common Tools, Analyses, and Interventions

• ABC analysis identifies antecedents and consequences for target behaviors.
• The PIC/NIC analysis evaluates consequences by their positivity, immediacy, and certainty.
• The Behavior Engineering Model and Performance Diagnostic Checklist (PDC) help assess environmental and performer-level issues.
• Interventions often combine feedback, reinforcement, coaching, clear expectations, and scorecards.

Case Studies and Examples

• Reinforcement and feedback interventions reduced absenteeism in factories and improved staff data recording in hospitals.
• Behavior-based safety programs and checklists with feedback improved safety and cleanliness in manufacturing and hotels.
• Effective interventions are practical, often demonstrating large and visible behavior changes and business results.

Key Terms & Definitions

• OBM (Organizational Behavior Management) — The application of behavioral science to improve workplace performance and culture.
• ABC Model — Framework stating that Antecedents and Consequences drive Behavior.
• PIC/NIC Analysis — Tool to evaluate consequences: Positive/Negative, Immediate/Future, Certain/Uncertain.
• Behavior Engineering Model — Assessment model evaluating environment and performer influences on behavior.
• Feedback — Information given about performance, used to change or reinforce behavior.
• Reinforcement — Positive consequences following desired behavior to increase its frequency.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review key texts: "Performance Management" (Aubrey Daniels), "Human Competence" (Tom Gilbert), "Values-Based Safety Process" (McSween).
• Consider reading OBM research in the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management and related journals.
• Explore membership or resources from the OBM Network (special interest group of ABA).
• Apply ABC analysis and feedback techniques in a small workplace or group setting as practice.