Organisational Behaviour

Module summary

The knowledge base and scientific foundations of managing people comes principally from the field of Organisational Behaviour (OB). OB is a field of study that investigates the impact that individuals and groups have on behaviour within organisations. OB draws upon work in management theory and the social, behavioural and cognitive sciences. Key concepts in OB inform aspects of the operations management, human resource management, strategic management and change. Understanding OB can also help managers’ increase their own personal effectiveness, career progress and the effectiveness of those they manage.

The course is divided into four major sections:

  • Fundamentals of Managing People;
  • Personal and Organisational impact;
  • Managing Yourself (and Others);
  • Contemporary Topics in the Management of People

Module aims

  1. To introduce notions of managing people from both a micro- and macro- perspective, encompassing relevant theories from the social, behavioural and cognitive sciences
  2. To illustrate the application of concepts to managerial practice
  3. To enable students to make a critical assessment of the relationship between various theories and management practices, utilising their experiences of management practice

Module objectives

Subject specific skills

By the end of the module the student should:

  1. Have good knowledge of major concepts and theories underpinning an evidence based approach to managing people;
  2. Have an appreciation of the importance of scientifically rigorous research in informing effective management practice and policy;
  3. Be able to apply major concepts and theories from the field of OB to enhance theirown personal effectiveness as managers and the effectiveness of those they manage.

Cognitive and key skills

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

  1. Provide constructive critique of major concepts and theories from the field of OB;
  2. Make informed judgements on the most appropriate theories and concepts to use in solving problems in the management of people;
  3. Use concepts, theories and evidence from the field of OB and information about organisational contexts in making decisions concerning people management.

Please note: This information is subject to review and change without notice.