Module Identifier MBM4010  
Module Title ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr Jack Eaton  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture    
  Tutorial   plus classrom discussions  
Assessment Essay     30%  
  Exam   2 Hours   70%  

Aims


This module aims to be an introduction to Organisation Behaviour but also stimulating to those who are familiar with some of the concepts. The scope for the examination of behaviour in organisations is very wide. There is a multiplicity of interrelated factors that influence the behaviour and performance of people as members of work organisations. It is important to emphasise throughout the role of management as an integrating activity and as crucial for organisational effectiveness.


Organisations are highly complex systems that operate in diverse and changing technological socio-economic environments. Despite this, newcomers to the subject of organisation often look for instant answers to questions about how to achieve organisational success. Disillusion soon follows. Therefore this course avoids prescribing particular actions or decisions but seeks to analyse and explain the interacting characteristics and processes that are found in organisations.


The module also acts as a foundation for the Human Resource Management module.

Learning outcomes


Recognise contrasting perspectives on organisations and the need for an international approach. Organisations and Organisational and Corporate culture - to be discussed by case study. To illustrate Mass production and Taylorism. Motivation to be introduced by reference back to Taylorism, Maslow introduced. To understand the usefulness of the distinction between needs theories and process theories. To examine the main Process theories including Expectancy, Equity and goal-setting. Exercise on play and motivation. `Lost in the Desert? exercise to introduce and dramatise Group Dynamics. To explain the meaning and importance of leadership in organisations. To ensure an interactive approach by case studies on leaders and by exercise on great leaders and poor leaders. To encourage discussion on management by examination of the main activities or functions of management. To ensure or encourage appreciation and awareness of the importance of organisational change by use of video presentation. To explain the meaning and nature of organisational structure.

Reading Lists

Books
Buchanan, D and Huczynski, A.. Organizational Behaviour. Prentice-Hall
Robbins, S.. Essentials of Organisational Behaviour. Prentice-Hall
Schmerhorn, J, Hunt, J and Osborne, P.. The Basics of Organizational Behaviour.
Wilson, D and Rosenfeld, R (eds). Managing Organisations.