Human relations is the study of the interactions that exist between people. These relationships occur at work in an organization and in all aspects of our personal lives. Human relations can be formal and informal. Human relations occur during cooperations as well as during conflicts.

To be successful on our jobs we mubt be able to work with others in the organizations. The study of human relations provides an opportunity to learn about ourselves, as well as others, in an effort to work effectively together.

The Critical Factors

Work behavior is influenced by several factors:

1. Personal characteristics

1.1 Personality:

An individuals personality is the combination of the various psychological traits we use to classify that person (quiet, passive, loud, aggressive, ambitious, loyal,Š)

Authoritarianism: A belief that there should be differences among people in organizations.

Machiavellism: A characteristic named after Niccolo Machiavelli, who taught how to gain control and manipulate others (practical, maintains emotional distance from others, believes that ends justify means: "If it works use it".

Self-esteem: The degree to which you like or dislike yourself, feelings of self-worth.

Risk propensity: The degree to which an individual is willing to take chances.

Vocational preferences: Occupational interests based on personality and the proper matching of individuals to jobs and resulting productivity.

Holland¹s six vocational themes:
a. realistic: physical activities/skills
b. investigative: thinking/organizing skills
c. social: helping and developing others
d. conventional: rule-regulated, orderly
e. enterprising: verbal activities
f. artistic: creative expression

1.2 Attitudes: Statements that reflect values, concerning objects, people
         or events.

Perception: A process by which an individual organizes and     interprets sensory impressions to give meaning to his or her environment.

1.3. Values: Strongly held beliefs an individual has that guide his or her behavior.

1.4. Communication style: The transference and understanding of meaning.

Types: verbal, written, non-verbal, body language.
Barriers: filtering, selective perception, emotions, language, non,verbal cues.
Enhancements: using feedback, simplifying and targeting language, active listening, constrain emotions, align verbal and non-verbal cues.

2. Organizational culture

The values, symbols, rituals, myths and work practices that are shared by organizational members.

3. Organizational management

Work teams: Formal groups composed of individuals responsible for the attainment of a goal.

Groups and Teams

Groups: Two or more who come together to achieve certain objectives.
Function group (authority), task group, interest group,bfriendship group.

Role: A set of expected behaviors attributed to someone who occupies a given position in society.

Norms: Acceptable standards that are shaved by a group's members.

Group cohesiveness: The degree to which group members are attracted to one another and share group goals.

Group decision making / groupthink / consensus building

Leadership

The ability to influence others to act in a particular way.

Traits: Desire, drive, honesty and moral character, self-confidence, relevant knowledge, intelligence.

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