Final answer:
True, OB experts have been developing a distinct knowledge base for behavior within organizations, making OB a recognized field of study. It focuses on job satisfaction, management styles, leadership, and organizational culture, and it is part of the broader Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology field.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, Organizational Behavior (OB) experts have indeed been accumulating a distinct knowledge about behavior within organizations, which has led OB to be referred to as a field of study. This accumulation of knowledge intersects with fields like industrial psychology, which initially focused on concepts aiding in personnel selection. However, with the discovery that human interaction plays a critical role in productivity, the field expanded to include what is now called organizational psychology.
Organizational psychology focuses on various aspects of workplace dynamics, including job satisfaction, different styles of management, leadership, organizational culture, and teamwork. It is also concerned with how social interactions affect individuals and organizational functioning. Industrial-Organizational psychology (I-O psychology) applies psychological theories to workplace settings, aiding businesses in making better hiring decisions and creating productive work environments. These fields also deal with broader issues such as discrimination in hiring, employee well-being, and workplace violence.
Critical to understanding OB and its subfields is recognizing that while field research is great for observing behavior, it's less practical for establishing cause and effect due to numerous variables in natural settings. Studies in organizational psychology not only apply psychological theories and principles in real-world settings but also contribute to scholarly research aimed at understanding the complexities of human behavior within industrial and organizational contexts.