¶ … organizational behavior?
Having a sound understanding of organizational behavior helps clarify the different decision making methodologies within different organizations. For instance, in some hierarchical business organizations, decisions are made in a very 'top down,' sort of way, while in the more diffusely organized companies like technology companies, hierarchies might be exist on a more 'cellular' level, as authority is dispersed within various aspects of the organization, such as the hierarchies of the technology development department vs. The finance department. In professional organizations, such as law and doctor's office, organizational authority often comes from professional credentials and seniority, while in more personally-focused advertising and public relations companies, prestige, authority, and decision making power may come from who is temporarily 'on top' in sales or whomever 'nailed' a great account or campaign.
What makes your organization unique from other organizations?
My organization is unique in that it has a number of competing organizational facets, including hierarchical, democratic, professional, and personal elements. I work for an International Credentials Services as a Credential Specialist. The International Credentials Services promotes quality health care for the public by certifying international medical graduates for entry into U.S. graduate medical education, and by participating in the evaluation and certification of other physicians and health care professionals. Thus, it places a strong value upon education as an organization as a value. This is true even though it is not technically run along an academic professional organizational organization format, where credentials are all-important, like a doctor's office. Also, for a business, hierarchically run organization, my organization shows a great deal of consideration for its employee's needs and opinions, perhaps given its presence in the service field and its consequent respect for individuals. For instance, the International Credential Services understands the importance of health care, and has made insurance premiums for their employees fully covered by the company. This is the first job I have ever had where the company fully covered medical benefits for employees' spouses and children. This added bonus alone makes the company unique in my eyes, as does its willingness to solicit opinions from employees about the health care industry, which adds an element of democracy to this business organization.
