Productive and Counterproductive Behavior
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Productive and counterproductive behavior
Basically, there is a major distinction involving productive and counterproductive behavior, and these different behaviors have a major impression on an organization. Both productive and counterproductive behaviors play significant roles in the efficiency of any organization. An organization with employees and management that have the capacity to understand the difference and the meaning of both productive and counterproductive behavior make the most of productive behavior while decreasing counterproductive behavior.
Productive behavior and counterproductive behavior are opposites of each other. Productive behavior is basically any form of behavior or action that enhances productivity. This form of behavior has been explained as “employee behavior that contributes positively to the goals and objectives of the organization” (Britt & Jex, 2008, Ch. 4). Productive behavior has the potential to advance and support an organization, but counterproductive behavior does the opposite and stifles, discourages and stunts the organizations growth.
On the other hand, an organization can be seriously hindered by counterproductive behavior. This form of behavior according to the text is defined as “behavior that explicitly runs counter to the goals of an organization” (Britt & Jex, 2008, Ch. 6). Counterproductive behavior comes in many forms such as excessive employee absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse, stealing of company property, or even sexual harassment of fellow co-workers; ineffective performance can also be considered counterproductive behavior(Britt & Jex, 2008). Both productive and counterproductive behaviors can have a major effect on an organization.
Organizations without doubt are affected by the behavior of its employees whether positively and productively or negatively and counterproductively.
The running of an organization depends upon 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 performance of an organization is will likewise be counterproductive.
Job performance is easily affected by either productive or counterproductive behaviors. A productive employee can encourage other employees to be productive which will increase their capacity to perform their job. A counterproductive employee can distract and disrupt a productive employee, or even further disrupt or stifle an already counterproductive employee, which will negatively impact an organization and employee job performance. It is important acknowledge and take steps to enhance productive behavior and acknowledge and counteract counterproductive behavior in an effort to decrease it and possibly maintain job performance in order