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BUS831Management Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Organizational Behaviour

This course exposes students to the review of major organisational theories, and to the concepts and practices of organisational behaviour as the bases for guiding the management of organisations. It covers topics such as individual behavior, group behavior, power and politics in organizations, conflict and negotiation, and organizational change and development. A good understanding of the study units will equip you to perform well at work and evolve into an effective and efficient manager.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Organizational BehaviorOrganizational TheoryGroup DynamicsLeadershipMotivation

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Organizational Theory

2

Classical Organization Theory

3

Neo-Classical Organization Theory

4

Individual Behavior

5

Group Dynamics

6

Leadership

7

Motivation

8

Organizational Culture

9

Organizational Change

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Business Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Human Resources Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Project Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Organizational Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Team Leader

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Management ConsultingHuman ResourcesPublic Sector AdministrationNon-Profit ManagementGeneral Business Management

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Organisational Theory and Behaviour

2h

Unit 1: Introduction to Organisation

2 study hours
  • Read the unit introduction to understand the scope of organizational theory and behavior.
  • Define 'organization' and identify its key features.
  • Differentiate between various types of organizations with examples.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Organisational Theory and Behaviour

2h

Unit 2: Classical Organisation Theory

2 study hours
  • Study the underlying assumptions of classical organization theory.
  • Identify and describe the contributions of Adam Smith, Frederick Winslow Taylor, and Henri Fayol.
  • Analyze the principles of scientific management and bureaucracy.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Organisational Theory and Behaviour

2h

Unit 3: Neo-Classical Organisation Theory

2 study hours
  • Examine the underlying assumptions of neo-classical organization theory.
  • Discuss the contributions of Chester Bernard, Robert Merton, and Herbert A. Simon.
  • Compare and contrast classical and neo-classical organizational theories.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Organisational Theory and Behaviour

2h

Unit 4: Human Resource/Organisational Behaviour Perspective

2 study hours
  • Explore the assumptions of the human resource/organizational behavior perspective.
  • Analyze the Hawthorne experiments and their impact on organizational behavior.
  • Discuss Maslow's hierarchy of needs and McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction to Organisational Theory and Behaviour

2h

Unit 5: Modern Structural Organisation Theory

2 study hours
  • Understand the assumptions of modern structural organization theory.
  • Examine the contributions of Tom Burns, G.M. Stalker, and Henry Mintzberg.
  • Compare and contrast mechanistic and organic systems of organization.
Week
6

Module 1: Introduction to Organisational Theory and Behaviour

2h

Unit 6: Systems Theories of Organisation

2 study hours
  • Study the assumptions of the systems theory of organization.
  • Discuss the contributions of Daniel Katz, Robert Kahn, and James D. Thompson.
  • Analyze organizations as open systems and their interaction with the environment.
Week
7

Module 2: Individual Behaviour

2h

Unit 1: Introduction to Organisational Behaviour

2 study hours
  • Define organizational behavior and its importance in management.
  • Discuss the challenges and opportunities for organizational behavior in today's environment.
  • Explore the impact of economic pressures, globalization, and workforce diversity.
Week
8

Module 2: Individual Behaviour

2h

Unit 2: Personality

2 study hours
  • Explain the meaning of personality and its determinants.
  • Identify and classify personality traits using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Big Five Personality Model.
  • Discuss other personality traits relevant to organizational behavior.
Week
9

Module 2: Individual Behaviour

2h

Unit 3: Perceptions and Individual Decision-Making

2 study hours
  • Define perception and identify the factors that influence it.
  • Discuss common shortcuts in person perception and their impact on organizational behavior.
  • Explain decision-making in organizations and identify common biases and errors.
Week
10

Module 2: Individual Behaviour

2h

Unit 4: Job Satisfaction

2 study hours
  • Explain the meaning of job satisfaction and identify its sources.
  • Discuss potential responses of dissatisfied workers and their impact on organizational performance.
  • Analyze the effect of job satisfaction on important work variables.
Week
11

Module 2: Individual Behaviour

2h

Unit 5: Emotions and Mood

2 study hours
  • Explain the meaning of emotions and moods and differentiate between them.
  • Identify basic emotions and discuss their functions in the workplace.
  • Explain emotional labor, emotional intelligence, and emotional regulation.
Week
12

Module 2: Individual Behaviour

2h

Unit 6: Motivation

2 study hours
  • Explain the meaning of motivation and its importance in organizational behavior.
  • Discuss early theories of motivation, including Maslow's hierarchy of needs and McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y.
  • Explain contemporary theories of motivation, such as self-determination theory and equity theory.
Week
13

Module 3: Group Behaviour

8h

Unit 1: Foundations of Group Behaviour

4 study hours
  • Review all modules and units covered in the course.
  • Work on assignments and prepare for final examination.
  • Consult additional resources for clarification on difficult topics.

Unit 2: Communications

4 study hours
  • Review all modules and units covered in the course.
  • Work on assignments and prepare for final examination.
  • Consult additional resources for clarification on difficult topics.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking key theories from Modules 1-3 to understand their relationships.

2

Review case studies in Units 4-6 and apply relevant organizational behavior concepts.

3

Practice answering essay questions on leadership and motivation from Module 2.

4

Form study groups to discuss complex topics like power dynamics and organizational change.

5

Focus on understanding the practical implications of each theory, not just memorizing definitions.

6

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback for key areas of focus.

7

Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each module in the final examination.

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