ORBE06011 2022 Organisational Behaviour

Define organisational behaviour and its value for individuals and organisations

Outline the key elements of personality and perception as they relate to organisations.

Explore the application of motivation theory in the workplace.

Discuss the role of groups and teams in organisations.

Explain the main aspects of power, politics, conflict and change at work.

Effective teaching and learning strategies will evolve throughout the module. However, it is expected that small group work, problem-based learning, peer support will occur as part of this module. Creative tools will also be used to assist students with their understanding of key theoretical concepts and ideas.

100% CA which may be any of the following: group project, presentation, role play, written exam (closed or open book), multiple choice quiz, case study, essay or report.

An example combination could be : Multiple Choice Quiz x 2 (10% each) and Case Study x 2 (35% each).

Repeat assessments with failed components.

1. Introduction to Organisational Behaviour (OB):

• Define organisational behaviour;
• Identify the major disciplines that contribute to understanding OB;
• Demonstrate evidence of the value of OB for individuals and organisations;
• Identify the main methods used in OB research;
• Summarise contemporary issues facing the OB field.

2. Personality & Perception:

• Explain the nature-nurture debate;
• Describe the Big Five personality character model;
• Discuss how and why organisations measure personality;
• Discuss how the perceptual process works;
• Understand the concept of selective attention in an organisational context;
• Identify common perceptual distortions that can occur during a work activity;
• Explain how attribution theory assists us in explaining behaviour at work.

3.  Motivation:

• Explain why motivation is important in the workplace;
• Distinguish between need theories and process theories of motivation;
• Understand the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic sources of motivation;
• Describe the link between job design and motivation;
• Explore the application of reinforcement theory as a means of motivation;
• Understand the impact of situational factors on workplace motivation.

4.  Groups & Teams:

• Discuss the role of groups in organisational life;
• Recognise and evaluate key aspects of group composition and formation;
• Explain group decision making dynamics such as cohesiveness, conformity, group think and social loafing;
• Describe the key differences between groups and teams;
• Understand the characteristics of an effective workplace team.

 5. Power, Politics and Conflict:

• Define and discuss the role of power and politics in organisations;
• Outline different sources of power;
• Identify key power tactics;
• Differentiate between power, politics and leadership;
• Discuss the causes and consequences of conflict at work;
• Explain different conflict perspectives;
• Evaluate the approaches that can be taken to conflict at work.

6. Change:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of organisational change;
• Explain the forces of organisational change;
• Discuss the planned approach to change management;
• Identify why employees resist change and recognise strategies for overcoming resistance to change;
• Explain the role of leadership in organisational change.