The objective of this course is to provide an evidence-based understanding of best practice in the management of people and organisations. As a research-led course it will explore a range of organisational behaviour theories.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify causes and consequences of organizational problems using the lens of organisational behaviour theories and findings (Ask + Remember)
- Summarize evidence about problems and solutions related to organizational behaviour (Acquire + Understand)
- Evaluate the quality of organizational behaviour research in a particular area (Appraise + Adapt)
- Synthesize concepts and findings in the area of organizational behaviour (Aggregate + Analyse)
- Consider social and ethical implications of evidence-based strategies to address organizational problems (Apply + Evaluate)
- Devise evidence-based strategies and recommendations to address an organizational problem (Assess + Create)
Research-Led Teaching
This course is informed by current research from Management and Organizational Behaviour. In additional to classic theories and research, students have the opportunity to be exposed to contemporary and cutting edge research on important management topics. I believe this will help students develop a more thorough and sophisticated understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with behaviour in organizational context.
Field Trips
There are no field trips for this class.
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional costs for this class.
Examination Material or equipment
There are no examinations for this class.
Required Resources
Robbins, P. S., Judge, T. A., Millett, B., & Boyle, M. 2014. Organisational Behaviour (8th Ed.). Pearson Australia.
Textbook in Chifley library, held in the ANU library reserve & short loan collection.
Recommended Resources
Reference Books
Ashkanasy, N. M., Wildrom, C. P. M., & Peterson, M. F. (Eds.) 2000. Handbook of Organizational Culture and Climate. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Kalliath, T., Brough, P., O’Driscoll, M., Manimala, M., Siu, O. L., & Parker, S. K. 2014. Organisational Behaviour: A Psychological Perspective for the Asia-Pacific. McGraw-Hill Education
(Australia).
Robbins, S. P., 1996. Organisation Theory in Australia (2nd Ed.). Sydney: Prentice Hall.
McKenna, E. 2012. Business Psychology and Organizational Behaviour (5 Ed.). Hove and New York: Psychology Press.
Yukl, G. A. 2010. Leadership in Organizations (2nd Ed.). Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Journals:
Academy of Management Executive
Academy of Management Journal
Academy of Management Review
Administrative Science Quarterly
Harvard Business Review
Journal of Applied Psychology
Journal of Management
Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology
Journal of Organizational Behaviour
Journal of Vocational Behaviour
Management and Organisation Review
Organizational Behavior & Human Decision Processes
Personnel Psychology
Note: many of these journals are available in full text through the ANU Library on-line site:
http://anulib.anu.edu.au/search/e-resources/index.html
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:- Written comments
- Verbal comments
- Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Week 1: Introduction to Organisational Behaviour | Activities: Course introduction, lecture, group formation, and group discussion Reading: Class summary (available on Wattle) |
2 | Week 2: Foundation of Individual Behaviour in Organisations | Activities: Exercise and Lecture Reading: Chapter 2 & 6 |
3 | Week 3: Value, Attitude, Job Satisfaction and Organisational Commitment | Activities: Exercise and Lecture Reading: Chapter 3 |
4 | Week 4: Personality and Emotion at Work | Activities: Exercise and Lecture Reading: Chapters 4 & 5 |
5 | Week 5: Motivation | Activities: Exercise and Lecture Reading: Chapter 7 Deadlines: Quiz 1 (in class) |
6 | Week 6: Groups and Teams | Activities: Exercise and Lecture Reading: Chapters 8 & 9 Deadlines: Organizational Problem Part 1 |
7 | Week 7: Leadership | Activities:Exercise and Lecture Reading: Chapter 11 |
8 | Week 8: Power and Politics | Activities: Exercise and Lecture Reading: Chapter 12 |
9 | Week 9: Conflict and Negotiation | Activities: Exercise and Lecture Reading: Chapter 12 Deadlines: Organizational Problem Part 2 |
10 | Week 10: Organisational Culture | Activities: Exercise and Lecture Reading: Chapter 15 Deadlines: Quiz 2 (in class) |
11 | Week 11: Team presentation: OB application | Activities: Team presentation, Wednesday Deadlines: Organizational Problem Part 3 |
12 | Week 12: Team Presentation: OB Application | Activities: Team presentation, Wednesday Deadlines: Organizational Problem Part 3 |
Tutorial Registration
n/a
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quiz 1 (MC questions) | 15 % | 25/03/2019 | 01/04/2019 | 1,2,3 |
Quiz 2 (MC questions) | 25 % | 13/05/2019 | 20/05/2019 | 1,2,3 |
Synthesis and Application of OB Concepts to Organizational Problem: part I | 20 % | 05/04/2019 | 23/04/2019 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Synthesis and Application of OB Concepts to Organizational Problem: part II | 30 % | 08/05/2019 | 04/07/2019 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Synthesis and Application of OB Concepts to Organizational Problem: part III | 10 % | 20/05/2019 | 04/07/2019 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.Participation
Participation is expected in all classes and assessment.
Examination(s)
There is no final examination for this course.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3
Quiz 1 (MC questions)
Due Date: Week 5, in-class
Return of Assessment Date- within two weeks after submission
Instruction: The quiz will be taken during the seminar for a duration of 20 minutes. It consists of 15 multiple choice questions. The quiz is closed book. The details will be discussed in class no less than two weeks before the quiz.
Note: extensions for this assessment are not applicable, and thus won't be approved. Students who miss the quiz due to extenuating or unavoidable circumstances are advised to use this process and make arrangements with the Course Convener.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3
Quiz 2 (MC questions)
Date: Week 10, in-class
Return of Assessment Date- two weeks after submission
Instruction: The quiz will be taken during the seminar for a duration of 30 minutes. It consists of 25 multiple choice questions. The quiz is closed book. One hand written A4 page of notes is allowed. The details will be discussed in class no less than two weeks before the class.
Note: extensions for this assessment are not applicable, and thus won't be approved. Students who miss the quiz due to extenuating or unavoidable circumstances are advised to use this process and make arrangements with the Course Convener.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Synthesis and Application of OB Concepts to Organizational Problem: part I
The overarching goal of this assignment is to integrate relevant OB concepts and apply them to a real problem faced by an organization. This assignment has 3 components – two team-based and one individual-based.
PART I: Identification of Organizational Problem and Synthesis of Research Evidence (team-based) (20 points; word limit: 1500; double spaced; font size: 12). Each team will be responsible for finding an organization to study for this project. The organization can be either for-profit or not-for-profit and can operate in any sector or industry. The task of your team is to use appropriate methodology, such as interviews, observations, and/or surveys, to identify a current problem faced by this organization. The final product of this component of the assignment is a team-based report that 1) provides a brief overview of the organization, 2) discuss the nature of the problem faced by this organization, 3) provide evidence that the problem exists and summarize the methodology your team used to search and obtain this evidence, 4) review and synthesize relevant OB concepts and research to analyze the likely causes of this problem. This assessment targets the following general skills: research, application, and team work.
Due: Friday week 6
Return of Assessment Date: two weeks after submission
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Synthesis and Application of OB Concepts to Organizational Problem: part II
The overarching goal of this assignment is to integrate relevant OB concepts and apply them to a real problem faced by an organization. This assignment has 3 components – two team-based and one individual-based.
PART II: Evidence-based Recommendations and their Implications (individual-based) (30 points; word limit: 1000; double spaced; font size 12). Each member of the team will individually apply relevant OB concepts and findings to devise recommendations to address the problem. The final product of this component of the assignment is an individual-based report that 1) discusses their specific recommendations and the evidence used to support their recommendations 2) the social and ethical implications of their devised recommendations.This assessment targets the following general skills: research, application, and critical thinking.
Due: Wednesday week 9
Return of Assessment Date: after release of final grades
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Synthesis and Application of OB Concepts to Organizational Problem: part III
The overarching goal of this assignment is to integrate relevant OB concepts and apply them to a real problem faced by an organization. This assignment has 3 components – two team-based and one individual-based.
PART III: Presentation (team-based) (10 points). In the last component of this assignment, your team will present your research and findings to the class. The presentation should include 1) a brief overview of the organization and the problem it faces and 2) the causes of and solutions to the problem based on the integration of your individual analysis in part II. Each team has approximately15 minutes for its presentation, followed by a 10 min discussion session (this schedule may be adjusted based on the size of the class). As we are restricted in time, please ensure to finish your presentation and discussions within the allocated time. An unfinished presentation will result in losing points of your grade. All members of a group should be involved, but they may take different roles. You should use power point slides for your presentation. Before class: a soft copy of the power point should be sent to the lecturer via email. In class: A hard copy of the power point should be presented to the lecturer. This assessment targets the following general skills: research, teamwork, and presentation.
Footnote: Each team is also required to provide the completed Teamwork Contribution Form (template provided on Wattle) at the time of the presentation (more information will be provided in class). Your team will receive one grade for the team component of the assignment. However, if multiple members of a team feel that particular individuals deserve higher or lower grades, I will consider the possibility of assigning individual grades to that team.
Due: during class week 11 (Monday) or week 12 (Friday)
Return of Assessment Date: after release of final grades
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.Late Submission
Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Returning Assignments
Please see relevant assessment task details above.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.Resubmission of Assignments
Unless specified otherwise in the assessment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research InterestsOrganisational Behaviour, Cultural Identity, Leadership and Performance |
Dr Bruce Stenlake
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Dr Bruce Stenlake
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