Organisational Behaviour Management (OBM) is the application of behaviour-analytic principles to improve performance and well-being in organisations. OBM focuses on identifying, measuring, and changing the behaviours that have the greatest impact on an organisation’s results.
Core principles within OBM
OBM is based on a few central principles from behaviour analysis:
- Behaviours are shaped by their consequences: Behaviours followed by positive consequences tend to be repeated, while behaviours followed by negative consequences tend to decrease.
- Behaviours should be defined, observed, and measured: To change a behaviour, it must first be specified in observable terms and measured over time.
- Interventions should be data-driven: Decisions to introduce, change, or terminate an intervention should be based on objective data about its effect on behaviour and outcomes.
OBM methods and applications
Some common OBM methods and applications include:
- Performance feedback: Providing employees with specific, frequent, and objective feedback on their performance in relation to clear goals.
- Positive reinforcement: Rewarding desirable behaviours to increase their frequency, for example, through praise, recognition, or incentives.
- Behaviour-based safety: Defining, observing, and reinforcing safe behaviours to reduce accidents and injuries in the workplace.
- Systemic behaviour analysis: Analysing how the organisation’s systems, processes, and culture affect employees’ behaviours and results.
By applying OBM principles and methods, organisations can increase productivity, quality, and safety, reduce error rates and absenteeism, and promote innovation and customer satisfaction. OBM offers a scientific and data-driven approach to shaping the behaviours that drive organisational success.