MG434 Half Unit
Organisational Behaviour
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Emma Soane NAB 4.02 and Dr Niranjan Janardhanan NAB 4.28
Availability
This course is compulsory on the Global MSc in Management, Global MSc in Management (CEMS MiM) and Global MSc in Management (MBA Exchange). This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
This course seeks to understand individual, team and organisational-level attributes, processes and outcomes. It does this by reviewing psychological theories, thus demonstrating the contribution of a psychological perspective to understanding behaviour at work, and by critically evaluating empirical evidence. The course will balance theory and practice by applying the theories to organisations.
Topics covered will include personality and individual differences; work motivation; rewards systems and the design of work; performance; health and well-being at work; creativity and innovation; groups and teams; leadership; power, influence and politics at work; organisational culture; organisational decision processes and risk.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the LT. 2 hours of lectures and 1 hour and 30 minutes of seminars in the ST.
The teaching includes lectures and seminars. The teaching style is highly participative. Group work in seminars is an integral part of the course and students are expected to actively contribute to all group exercises. The course requires student commitment and willingness to engage fully with the readings and with class activities.
Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6 of LT, in line with departmental policy.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the LT.
Indicative reading
All course readings are articles from leading journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Organizational Behaviour. A full reading list is provided at the start of the course.
There is no set textbook for this course, however students may wish to consult one of the following:
- Colquitt, J., LePine, J. A., & Wesson, M. J. (2012). Organizational Behaviour: Improving Performance and Commitment in the Workplace (3rd edition). McGraw-Hill;
- Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. (2017). Organizational Behavior (17th Global Edition). Prentice Hall.
Assessment
Exam (75%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Presentation (25%) in the LT.
Students will work in groups to prepare and deliver a presentation that applies organisational behaviour concepts to a real organisation. Each group will select one specific organisation to focus on. Presentations must cover two topics from the course and must include clear application of a minimum of three relevant theories. Presentations will be evaluated on the depth of subject knowledge; the quality of theoretical application and recommendations made; and, the structure and style of the presentation, including the quality of the materials and delivery of the presentation.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Management
Total students 2019/20: 83
Average class size 2019/20: 17
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Team working
- Communication
- Specialist skills