Abstract:
Research into organizational behaviour has indicated that
there is an inevitable conflict between the needs of the individual
and organizational demands. Psychologists have given insights into
basic individual needs and contend that satisfaction of these needs
constitutes a motivating force which enhances desired behavioural
patterns. Behaviouralists have suggested that a basic and pervasive
individual need is the culturally determined need for privacy.
Anthropologists and environmental psychologists have shown that man's
spatial behaviour is observable and predictable and that changes in
the physical environment or the way it is perceived are accompanied
by concommitant changes in behaviour. Research findings from each
of the disciplines have been reviewed in an attempt to show that the
physical environment is a significant factor in satisfying the needs
of the individual organizational member, hence, a significant
influence on organizational behaviour. A model has been generated
to show the relationship between the physical setting and behaviour
and to underscore the importance of making provisions within the
physical setting for the attainment of a culturally determined
optimal level of privacy. The physical setting, by providing for
this need, becomes a significant factor in reducing the conflict
between the individual and the organization and makes for acceptable
role behaviour and the fulfilment of organizational goals.
