BBSD674 – Organisational Behaviour

Module code

BBSD674

Module title

Organisational Behaviour

Prescription

The purpose of this module is to provide the student with a detailed examination of aspects of organisational behaviour concepts, practices and issues with relevance to the contemporary workplace.

Programmes

BS0671
BS1054
BS1064

NZQA Level

Level 6

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Supported

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 150

Resources required

Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand the principles of Organisational Behaviour including concepts and practices
including
-Identify, discuss and evaluate issues presented in course lecturers and readings
- Demonstrate an ability to distinguish relevant points from information presented
- Complete self-directed research and reflect upon research
- Show evidence of independent and interdependent processes in working

2. Understand and participate in assessment criteria
- Develop a relevant vocabulary for interpretation and analysis of issues
- Consider and reflect upon working processes and decision
- Demonstrate an understanding of criteria described in schedules
- Participate in group and class discussions

3. Investigate the importance and contribution to the workplace of organisational behaviour
(OB) studies
- Discuss the nature of organisational behaviour (OB)
- Investigate why managers need a knowledge of OB
- Examine critical changes implications for OB

4. Examine organisational behaviour activities relating to the management of individuals in a
modern workplace context as a means of contributing to organisational competitive
advantage, such as:
- Examine the attribute measures of an individual and how they can contribute to
organisational performance
- Investigate the concept of individual perceptions and attitudes in managing people
- Investigate the concept of emotions, values and personality on influencing people's
behaviour in the workforce
- Assess the impact of work design on employee behaviour
- Examine the implications of technology on people in the workplace
- Analyse the importance of work related outcomes such as engagement, motivation,
satisfaction, citizenship behaviours on employee performance and retention
- Investigate the effects of job withdrawal on individual performance
- Appraise the sources of job dissatisfaction in the workplace and courses for remedial action
- Discuss means of measuring workplace climate and satisfaction levels as a basis for
sustaining individual and group performance
- Examine the causes and effects of stress on employees in the workplace and techniques to
assist in managing stress
- Examine selected motivation theories for their application in the workforce
- Investigate the nature of individual learning and methods of reinforcement in the workplace
- Examine methods of self-management for improving personal effectiveness

5. Investigate the role of group level OB in the organisational management of activities that
contribute to organisational productivity and performance, including:
- Investigate the nature of groups and their importance in organisations
- Discuss team roles and their effect on group and organisational performance
- Examine inter-group dynamics and creativity
- Measuring the effectiveness of groups and role of communication
- Examine key leadership theories for their application in managing competitive environments
- Investigate the nature of organisational politics and power on firm level outcomes
- Develop OB strategies consistent with the introduction of new technology and new
informational technologies
- Analyse the nature and purpose of organisational culture and its relationship to the
management of people
- Examine the role of culture on strategy formulation and implementation
- Investigate the problems and issues of undertaking organisational culture change
- Discuss the nature of change management and its relationship to strategy
Assessment Criteria: Candidates must achieve a minimum result of 40 in the final examination or nominated assessment/s of each module. They must also achieve a minimum C grade pass overall from all assessments to receive a passing grade for the module.
Content: Individual Differences
- The foundations of individual differences
- Perception, person perception, impression formation, stereotypes and attribution
- Personality
- Attitudes and values
- Learning and various intelligences
- Motivation

Social Behaviour
- Groups and teams
- The role and purpose of groups and teams in organisations
- Group formation, development and life-cycles
- Different types of groups (formals - informal, structured - unstructured)
- Roles, norms and cohesiveness
- Group effectiveness

Social Influence
- Persuasion
- Conformity
- Compliance
- Obedience

Power, politics and conflict in organisations
- The nature of power and authority
- Traditional and contemporary views of power
- Tactics of power and influence and characteristics of powerful people
- Nature of conflicts, its development and resolution

Leadership in groups and organisations
- Differing approaches to the study and meaning of leadership
- Leadership and decision making, including group versus individual decision making
- Linking leadership and motivation
- Leadership and diversity

Organisational phenomena
- Organisational culture and climate
- The role of the wider culture, society and 'cultural diversity' in organisations
- Introduction to organisational change and development
Teaching and Learning Strategy: Teaching will involve blended delivery methods incorporating theoretical and practical classes, face to face, lectures, tutorials, workshops, group activities, guest lecturers, field trips, role-play, video conferencing, and on-line delivery, as appropriate.
Learning and Teaching Resource: RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK
Burke, R. (2006) Project Management: Planning and Control Techniques
5th Edition; Thames and Hudson: Australia

RECOMMENDED READING
www.pmi.com

JOURNALS
Articles from tutor.

REGULATIONS
Students are advised to read the Business Studies Handbook 2010, particularly the General Academic Regulations and Programme Regulations.