July, 2025
1 mins read
OB Helps Decode Why People Do What They Do
30 Jul 2025For Sai Bhargavi Vedula, Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour (OB) at XLRI Jamshedpur, OB is a powerful tool to understand how people and organisations shape each other. “It’s a lens to understand why people do what they do in workplaces,” she says. In this conversation with Sai Moukthik Konduru, she discusses making learning personal, decoding human dynamics in organisations, and why self-awareness and emotional intelligence matter more than ever.
Why do you teach OB and what does OB mean to you?
I teach organisational behaviour because I’m fascinated by human behaviour, especially in organised settings. OB, for me, is a lens to understand why people do what they do in workplaces, how organisations influence people, and how people shape organisations.
How has your teaching style changed over the years?
It has evolved a lot. Earlier, I used to focus more on delivering content; now, I focus more on facilitating learning. I use more real-life examples, encourage participation, and try to connect concepts with students’ experiences.
What are your expectations from students in an organisational behaviour class?
I expect them to be open-minded, reflective and participative. Organisational behaviour is not just theory — it’s about introspection and application. The more you relate it to your life and work, the more meaningful it becomes.
What’s the one OB concept you believe every student should remember even after graduating?
Self-awareness. It’s the foundation of good leadership and effective interpersonal relationships. Knowing oneself helps in managing oneself and others better.
Many CXOs have mentioned that OB helped them become better leaders and team players.
Absolutely. In fact, organisations today value emotional intelligence, collaboration and adaptability more than just technical skills. Organisational behaviour gives you those insights.
How do you maintain such high energy levels throughout your class? It’s really infectious!
That’s sweet of you to say. I genuinely enjoy teaching and interacting with students. That energy comes from passion. Also, I prepare well and make sure I’m mentally present in the classroom.