Running head: SEMINAR ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENT – UNIT 1

Seminar Alternative Assignment – Unit 1
Kaplan University
MT302: Organizational Behavior

SEMINAR ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENT – UNIT 1 1
What do managers do? “Managers get things done through other people,” (Robbins & Judge, pg. 5). This might seem like an extremely simple definition of a manager’s responsibilities, but it is the truth. There are many methods and ways in which a manager can develop their administrative and people skills. By using systematic study, utilizing the POLC and organizational behavior (OB) models, defining management roles, understanding OB challenges and opportunities, and assessing management skills and managerial activities, a manager can empower and motivate their employees, stimulate innovation, and improve customer service, while creating a healthy work environment.
What is organizational behavior? Organizational Behavior is a “field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations, for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organization’s effectiveness.” In other words, it is “the study of what people do in an organization and how their behavior affects the organization’s performance,” (Robbins & Judge, pg. 10).
There are different tools that managers can use to better achieve their goals. One of these tools is called the POLC model. The POLC model consists of the four management functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, (Robbins & Judge, pg. 6). This model can be applied to almost any managerial experience in the workplace. I am a General Manager at a restaurant, and I am able to apply this information and these functions at my job. I have the privilege of assessing employees who are showing potential of becoming future managers.