In: Operations Management
Explain the IPO framework for understanding human behavior. How it can be used by leaders to understand how to manage their followers?
The IPO model stands for the Input-Process-Output Model. It is basically a systems model which is used to analyse human behavior. The IPO model projects that the behavior of an individual is the result of the variables which he put into consideration and the way he analyses the variables to react in the certain direction. The inputs in this model can be the thoughts, beliefs, social norms, circumstances, etc. The processing is influenced by the culture and traditions followed by the individual. The output is basically the way the person reacts or responds in the situation.
Leaders across the world can make use of this IPO framework to understand the temperament of the employees in the organization and accordingly approach them for giving feedback as well as allotment of work. Leaders can also use the IPO framework to assess the strengths and weaknesses of employee and accordingly motivate him for improving his performance.