This course lays the foundation for the understanding of human behaviour in organisations, providing students with a comprehensive exposure to organisational behaviour theories, research and workplace issues illustrated with case studies and examples primarily within an Australian and Asia-Pacific context. Topics include: overview of OB, personnel selection, individual differences, work motivation, work attitudes and values, occupational stress, high performance teams, training, performance appraisal and careers, leadership, organisational design, organisational culture, organisational development and change, and organisational communication and conflict. Given the immediate relevance of topics covered in this course, it is also a useful life-long learning course for improving personal and organisational effectiveness.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Define, explain and illustrate a range of organisational behaviour theories;
- Analyse the behaviour of individuals and groups in organisations in terms of organisational behaviour theories, models and concepts;
- Apply organisational behaviour concepts, models and theories to real life management situations through case analysis;
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of organisational behaviour theories and current empirical research associated with the topics covered in this course; and,
- Communicate effectively in oral and written forms about organisational behaviour theories and their application using appropriate concepts, logic and rhetorical conventions.
Research-Led Teaching
This course draws on and teaches models and frameworks based on empirical research in organizational behaviour and as such, takes an evidence-based approach to management. The assessment in the course requires students to engage in analytic and critical thinking and the application of the models and frameworks to observational data. Further, students will be provided the opportunity to develop research literary through the use of examples, case studies, and discussion of research design and methodology relevant to the discipline.
Field Trips
There are no field trips in this course.
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional class costs expected in this course.
Examination Material or equipment
There is a final examination for this course held during the end of semester examination period. All examination information will be communicated directly to students by the ANU Examinations Office. Specific details of the exam date will be available closer to the commencement of the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/. Further advice will be provided by end of Week 12.
Required Resources
Robbins, P. S., Judge, T. A., Millett, B., & Boyle, M. 2019. Organisational Behaviour (9th Ed.). Pearson Australia.
The textbook is available as a hard copy from the bookstore or as an e-book from the publisher - e-book licence is also available from the Library.
Any further readings will be made available via the course Wattle site as necessary.
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 (5th 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 Behaviour & Human Decision Processes
Personnel Psychology
Human Resource Management
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 Organizational BehaviorWeek commencing 24 July 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check WattlePlease note: tutorials begin Week 1 |
2 | Week 2: Foundation of Individual Behaviour in OrganisationsWeek commencing 31 July 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check WattleFirst of four quizzes opens Friday at 5.05 and closes on Monday (07 Aug) at 9.00. Result available after close. |
3 | Week 3: Value, Attitude, Job Satisfaction and Organisational CommitmentWeek commencing 7 August 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check WattleReflection Assessment 1 due on 13 August 2023 |
4 | Week 4: Personality and Emotion at WorkWeek commencing 14 August 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check WattleSecond of four quizzes opens Friday at 5.05 and closes on Monday (21 Aug) at 9.00. Result available after close. |
5 | Week 5: MotivationWeek commencing 21 August 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check Wattle |
6 | Week 6: Groups and TeamsWeek commencing 28 August 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check WattleTeaching Break: 4 September 2023 - 17 September 2023Reflection Assessment 2 due on 03 September 2023 |
7 | Week 7: Leadership 1Week commencing 18 September 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check WattleThird of four quizzes opens Friday at 5.05 and closes on Monday (25 Sept) at 9.00. Result available after close. |
8 | Week 8: Leadership 2Week commencing 25 September 2023 | Activity and Reading: Check Wattle |
9 | Week 9: Power and PoliticsWeek commencing 2 October 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check Wattle |
10 | Week 10: Conflict and NegotiationWeek commencing 9 October 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check WattleLast of four quizzes opens Friday at 5.05 and closes on Monday (16 Oct) at 9.00. Result available after close. |
11 | Week 11: Organisational CultureWeek commencing 16 October 2023 | Activities/Readings: Check Wattle Assessment task 3 - Major Essay due on 22 October 2023 |
12 | Week 12: Revision lecturesWeek commencing 23 October 2023 |
Tutorial Registration
Tutorial registration will be available two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester and will close at the end of week 1. Please note that all students MUST enrol in a tutorial class to have their assessment tasks marked. See: https://mytimetable.anu.edu.au/odd/admin/adminLoginExe.do
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. 4 x Multiple Choice Quizzes (4 x 5%) | 20 % | * | * | 1,2,3,4 |
2. 2 x Reflection Assessment (2 x 10%) | 20 % | 13/08/2023 | 28/08/2023 | 1,2,3 |
3. Major Essay (30%) | 30 % | 22/10/2023 | 06/11/2023 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
4. Final on campus invigilated examination(30%) | 30 % | * | 01/12/2023 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
* 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
Attendance at lectures and tutorials, while not compulsory, is expected in line with “Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning”, clause 2 paragraph (b).
Lectures will be presented in person and also recorded and made available on Echo360 and Wattle; and tutorials will be carried out face-to face.
In that public holidays fall on Lecture days, a pre-recorded lecture will be loaded to Echo360 in lieu of a live lecture.
Examination(s)
There is a final on campus invigilated examination for this course held during the end of semester examination period. All examination information will be communicated directly to students by the ANU Examinations Office. Specific details of the exam date will be available closer to the commencement of the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/. The on campus invigilated examination with more information to be provided at least by week 9.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
1. 4 x Multiple Choice Quizzes (4 x 5%)
Marks: 20%
Purpose: Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4
Due dates: by 9am on 07 Aug, 21 Aug, 18 Sep, 9 Oct
Each assessment quiz will assess the students' knowledge of the Course material coverd in the textbook/lecture notes and reading materials in approximately two week segments. 10 questions worth 5% of the Course total will be administered via Wattle (i.e., on-line) and results provided to students after the quiz closes. One attempt only will be permitted and the assessment will be time limited to thirty (30) minutes. The quiz window will open at 5.05PM on Friday afternoon and close by 9.00AM Monday.
For one quiz, a student has an option to replace the assignment with 2 hours of SONA experiment participation credits. Note, however, that the SONA experiment participation must be concluded by Friday, 20 October (end of week 11).
The SONA experiment is connected to Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4. It allows students to understand how some of the knowledge that we are learning in this class is being generated. Participating in these experiments provides a good opportunity for students to understand the evidence-based practices in quality research.
Please note that the experiment replaces ONE QUIZ ONLY
Late submission of this assessment task is not permitted
Assessment type: Individual Time limit: 30 minutes for each quiz Value: Each of the four (4) quizzes is worth 5% of the total course grade. This assessment task is worth 20% of the total course grade. Marking criteria: Correct answers to multiple choice questions Quiz opens: 5.05 PM on Friday of Weeks 2, 4, 7 & 10 on Wattle Quiz closes: 9.00 AM of the following Monday Form of submission: Online through Wattle Return of assessment: After the quiz closes
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3
2. 2 x Reflection Assessment (2 x 10%)
Marks: 20%
Assessment type: Individual
Suggested length: 800 words (±10%) Any portion above the word limit will not be read and marked.
Due dates: by 11.59pm on 13 Aug and 03 Sep
Purpose: Learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3
Students will be taking an assessment based on the learning materials and activities on the previous weeks. Submission will be via Wattle through Turnitin and feedback will be provided in two weeks. For each reflection assessment, students can choose one from a small selection of topics that will be advised on Wattle.
Marking criteria: Details on marking criteria including rubric will be available in Week 1 and explained to the student in Week 1.
Feedback by: within two weeks of the submission.
Note: Late submission of this assessment task is not permitted
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
3. Major Essay (30%)
Marks: 30%
Suggested Length: 2500 words (±10%) Any portion above the word limit will not be read or marked.
Purpose: Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
By Sunday, 22 October, 11.59PM, each student will submit via Turnitin a major essay that demonstrates academic understanding of a topic of high relevance to organisational behaviour. Specifically, students will choose one from a small selection of topics that will be advised on Wattle. The essay task will be 2500 words (+/- 10%) using APA referencing style and DOUBLE spacing. Any portion above the word limit will not be read or marked.
Importantly, this essay is an assignment where the student is expected to demonstrate skills in researching a significant organisational behaviour issue and showcase their abilities in marshaling an academic argument that explores a topic well and consistent with the reasonable expectations for a second year student. Accordingly as this is the major theoretical assessment task for the Course, students must reveal their familiarity with the textbook, wattle articles, and their own research of relevant journals to create and sustain a compelling scholarly narrative that states the position they take in relation to the essay question and demonstrates clearly why and how that position is well reasoned. Please note that Wikipedia and other popular on-line similar sources are not peer-reviewed academic material and should NOT be relied upon as they often contain factual errors as well as simplistic or problematic interpretation of many concepts.
Further guidance on the Essay will be published on Wattle from the beginning of the semester.
Submission / Presentation Details: Assignments are to be word-processed. The use of strict, professional expression is expected. The APA referencing style is to be used (see wattle). For further information about academic referencing, please visit: https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/resources/handouts/referencing-style-g. Please submit the assignment online via Wattle through Turnitin.
Assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% per working day.
Marking criteria: The marking criteria will be provided in Wattle.
Due date: 11.59 on Sunday, 22 October 2023
Form of submission: via Turnitin on the course Wattle site
Return of assessment: Monday, 06 November 2023
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
4. Final on campus invigilated examination(30%)
Marks: 30%
Purpose: Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
A fnal examination comprising a choice of short answer questions (from a selection) and several essay questions (from a selection) will be conducted during the
formal final examination period. The examination will be designed to assess the students' understanding of the Course material from the comprehensive perspectives of
the players in workplace.
Instructions:
This is an on campus invigilated examination. Students are responsible for ascertaining and confrming arrangements for the exam.
Detailed information about the Final Exam for this course will be provided in class and on Wattle by Week 9. It will be conducted during the end of semester examination period on a date and time to be announced.
Late submission of this assessment task is not permitted
Assessment type: Individual
Time limit: 10 minutes of reading time + 120 minutes of writing time
Value: 30%
Date: The details of final examination will be communicated to students. Specific details of the exam date will be available closer to the commencement of the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/. Please refer to Wattle site for more information to be provided in Week 9.
Return of assessment: After the release of results on Thursday 1 December 2023
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 is not permitted in this course.
All requests for extensions to assessment in RSM courses must be submitted to the RSM School Office with a completed application form and supporting documentation. The RSM Extension Application Form and further information on this process can be found at https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/notices-for-students/extension-application-procedure/
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
All assignments will be marked and where appropriate feedback will be provided either: in class, or in person by appointment with the course lecturer, or via the course Wattle site.
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 assignment 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 InterestsHuman Resource Management (Perceived overqualification and underemployment, Career development, and Performance Management)Organisational Behaviour (Leadership, Unethical Pro-Organisational Behaviour, Voice behaviour, and Proactivity) |
Dr Chao Ma
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Dr Chao Ma
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Tutor
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Research InterestsHuman Resource Management (Perceived overqualification and underemployment, Career development, and Performance Management)Organisational Behaviour (Leadership, Unethical Pro-Organisational Behaviour, Voice behaviour, and Proactivity) |
Imogen Sykes-Bridge
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Tutor
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Research InterestsHuman Resource Management (Perceived overqualification and underemployment, Career development, and Performance Management)Organisational Behaviour (Leadership, Unethical Pro-Organisational Behaviour, Voice behaviour, and Proactivity) |
Leopold Zhou
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Tutor
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Research Interests |
Dr Yingnan Shi
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