Historical Development of Organizational Behavior Management

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to review the existing literature linked to the field of Organization Behavior Management (OBM) and provide a historical account of OBM development based on the existing literature. Design/methodology/approach: The study performs keywords search of published OBM articles from 1950 onwards in widely used research databases. All materials were reviewed, i.e., the title, abstract, background, and methodology, to determine whether they are in line with the objective of the current study. Findings: The historical review shows that OBM practices applied widely over the years were visible in various sectors in the late 1960s and early 1970s. By the end of the 1980s, the OBM discipline was well established. It has produced considerable evidence through behavior analytic interventions that modify human behavior at work. Research findings show that OBM practices help an individual to understand how to carry out one’s tasks/activities within the organization to improve business results. Research limitations: Research scholars have limited knowledge that provides an error-free study of the OBM field past events. The historical development of OBM involvements and their recent contributions can be found in research publications of the Journal of Organization Behavior Management (JOBM). Practical implications: The current study provides insights about the developmental phase of the OBM field and discusses how it changed the behavior analytic for enhanced delivery at workplaces. Historical events such as Skinner’s behavior modification account for the development of OBM that influences traditional management and is used today in a variety of situations by OBM practitioners. Originality/value: This paper provides a historical evaluation of the OBM practices. It expands our knowledge of the OBM field and its interventions over time. Reflections of the study highlight the need for OBM practices for the successful functioning of various types of organizations.