by Sarah Ganly

Created on: October 21, 2010

There is a huge difference between productive and counterproductive behavior, and they have a very important impact on business. This article will discuss the definition and impact of productive and counterproductive behavior.

The Definition of Productive and Counterproductive Behavior

Productive and counter productive behavior plays key roles in the productivity of an organization. These types of behavior are also an important part of organizational psychology. Understanding the definition of both productive and counterproductive behavior will allow an organization to maximize productive behavior and decrease counterproductive behavior.

Productive behavior and counterproductive behavior is opposite of each other. Productive behavior relates to behavior that increases productivity. This type of behavior is "defined as employee behavior that contributes positively to the goals and objectives of the organization" (Britt & Jex, 2008, Ch. 4). Productive behavior promotes, encourages, and aids an organization in its purpose, but counterproductive behavior does the opposite.

Counterproductive behavior takes away from the productivity of an organization. This type of behavior is "defined as behavior that explicitly runs counter to the goals of an organization" (Britt & Jex, 2008, Ch. 6). Counter productive behavior comes in many forms such as alcohol and drug abuse, theft, sexual harassment, and employee absenteeism; counterproductive behavior can also be considered ineffective performance (Britt & Jex, 2008). Productive and counterproductive behaviors have a strong impact on an organization.

The Impact of Productive and Counterproductive Behaviors

An organization is inevitably impacted by the behavior of its employees. An organization is positively impacted by productive behavior, and it is negatively impacted by counterproductive behavior. Job performance is also an area that is affected by productive and counterproductive behavior.

The performance of an organization relies on the behavior of the employees. If employees are productive the organization will be productive and gain value for stakeholders. If the employees are counterproductive the organization's performance will be negatively impacted and lose value. The performance of an organization is directly linked to the productivity of the employees.

Job performance can easily be impacted by both productive and counterproductive behaviors. A productive employee can encourage another employee to be productive which will increase their ability to perform their job. A counterproductive employee can discourage, interrupt, and aggravate a productive employee which will negatively impact job performance. It is important to try to increase productive behavior and decrease counterproductive behavior to keep job performance and the performance of an organization at its highest possible level.

It is important to fully understand the definition and impact of productive and counterproductive behavior on business to be successful.

Reference

Britt, T. W., & Jex, S. M. (2008). Organizational Psychology: A Scientist-Practitioner Approach (2 ed.). New York, NY: Wiley.

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