Organizational Behaviour
- Management Sciences
- 700 level
- 2 credit units
- 245 pages
- 15 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental aspects of organizational dynamics. It explores organizational theory, goals, individual and group behavior, power, authority, leadership, and organizational growth. Students will learn about organizational structure models, determinants of structure, centralization, and decentralization. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of managing individuals and groups in both private and public organizations, enhancing their ability to tackle case analysis and improve organizational effectiveness.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 195 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of BUS727, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
BUS727 · UNIT 1 OVERVIEW OF ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR
Organisational behaviour follows the scientific method and makes use of logical theory in its investigation and in answering the research questions. It is empirical, interpretive, critical and creative science.
What you should be able to do
- Define organizational behavior and its key concepts
- Analyze individual and group dynamics in organizations
- Apply leadership theories to improve organizational effectiveness
- Evaluate different organizational structures and their impact
- Manage organizational change and development processes
- Understand the role of power and authority in organizations
What it prepares you for
- Human Resources Manager
- Management Consultant
- Organizational Development Specialist
- Project Manager
- Business Analyst
- Business Management
- Human Resources
- Consulting
- Public Administration
- Non-Profit Management
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Foundations of Organizational Behaviour
Unit 4: Personality Theories
The unit requires understanding of complex psychological concepts and their impact on individual behavior within organizations.
- Module 3: Foundation of Organizational Structure
Unit 2: Models of Organisational Structure
Requires understanding of various organizational structures and their suitability in different contexts.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Nature and Functions of Organizational Theory
Unit 1: Overview of Organizational Behaviour · 2 hours
Read the introduction to Organizational Behaviour. Understand the needs and goals of organizational behaviour. Relate the study of organizational behaviour to its root-subjects.
- Week 2Module 1: Nature and Functions of Organizational Theory
Unit 2: A Conceptual model of Human Behaviour · 2 hours
Discuss the meaning, needs and goals of organizational behaviour. Identify direction and degree of changes taking place in the field of organisational behaviour. Explain scope of organisational behaviour in basically three dimensions: individual, group and organisational.
- Week 3Module 1: Nature and Functions of Organizational Theory
Unit 3: Images and perceptions of organization as open and social system · 2 hours
Discuss Boulding's Typology. Explain the link of this typology to organisation theory and social sciences. State the inadequacy of Clockwork Assumptions of Old Paradigm Models and the suitability of Clockwork Assumptions.
- Week 4Module 1: Nature and Functions of Organizational Theory
Unit 4: Organisational Goals · 2 hours
Define goal and describe how a goal is set. Describe goal, list and explain the types of goals. Explain the use of goals in marketing planning.
- Week 5Module 1: Nature and Functions of Organizational Theory
Unit 5: Managing Workforce Diversity · 2 hours
Define the term diversity. Discuss total quality management. Describe behaviour and quality at work.
- Week 6Module 2: Foundations of Organizational Behaviour
Unit 1: Individuals and Groups in Organisations · 2 hours
State and explain the types of social groups. List the uses of the term social group. Discuss the significance of the definition, recruitment, territory and dominance.
- Week 7Module 2: Foundations of Organizational Behaviour
Unit 2: Informal Organisation · 2 hours
Discuss formal and informal organisations. State the functions of informal organisations. List the advantages and disadvantages of informal groups.
- Week 8Module 2: Foundations of Organizational Behaviour
Unit 3: Attitudes of Individuals · 2 hours
Define and explain attitude. Describe the ABC model of attitude. Explain attitude formation.
- Week 9Module 2: Foundations of Organizational Behaviour
Unit 4: Personality Theories · 2 hours
Define personality and discuss personality theories. State and describe personality characteristics in organisations. Discuss cultural differences.
- Week 10Module 2: Foundations of Organizational Behaviour
Unit 5: Power and Authority · 2 hours
Define power, authority and control. List and explain the three types of authority and control. Discuss power and legitimacy, psychology of authority and how to exercise authority.
- Week 11Module 3: Foundation of Organizational Structure
Unit 1: Determinants of Structure · 2 hours
Define and explain contingency theory. List the components of contingency theory. Describe and components of environment.
- Week 12Module 3: Foundation of Organizational Structure
Unit 2: Models of Organisational Structure · 2 hours
Explain the meaning of organizational structure. Identify and explain levels of organization structure. Mention and discuss dimensions of people-organization relationship.
- Week 13Module 3: Foundation of Organizational Structure
Unit 5: Organizational Dynamics and Changes · 2 hours
Discuss the importance of change and change as a process. List and describe the forces favouring change. Explain human resistant to change and the manager's role as a change agent.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking key theories from Modules 1-3
- Practice applying leadership styles from Unit 4 to different scenarios
- Review case studies in the course material and analyze the organizational dynamics
- Focus on understanding the relationships between organizational structure, culture, and performance
- Develop a time management plan for the final examination, allocating time to each section based on its weightage
Questions students ask about this course
What is BUS727 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental aspects of organizational dynamics. It explores organizational theory, goals, individual and group behavior, power, authority, leadership, and organizational growth. Students will learn about organizational structure models, determinants of structure, centralization, and decentralization. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of managing individuals and groups in both private and public organizations, enhancing their ability to tackle case analysis and improve organizational effectiveness.
How many units does BUS727 have?
BUS727, Organizational Behaviour, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 245 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is BUS727?
BUS727 carries 2 credit units, at 700 level in Management Sciences.
Is BUS727 hard?
BUS727 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does BUS727 take to study?
About 195 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is BUS727 assessed?
BUS727 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with BUS727?
Human Resources Manager, Management Consultant, Organizational Development Specialist, Project Manager and Business Analyst.