Assignment 1 – organizational issues and solutions

My organization: American Airlines

Area of Interest: Procurement and supply management (position: Managing Expediter)

Expediter:  one employed to ensure the steady progress to completion of a project or the efficient movement of materials, freight, etc. 

Organizational behavior is really the combination of four areas of study – psychology, social psychology, sociology, and anthropology. 

While each of these areas involves an examination of people and their interactions, the focuses are quite different:

Psychology – studies the mind and how people make decisions.
Social Psychology – examines how people work in groups.
Sociology – explores how systems work within the organization.
Anthropology – examines how culture works within the organization.

Now, assume that you are an organizational consultant and have been asked by a new CEO to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the organization.

• Of the four areas of study listed above, which would you focus on first?
• Make sure to explain why you chose this area, and why it would take precedence over the other areas.