21867 Managing People: Concepts and Applications

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject prepares students for future management roles by introducing them to behavioural science contributions to our understanding of work and organisations. The psychology of individual behaviour at work explores basic dimensions such as perception, learning, motivation and personality as they relate to the organisational context. The social psychology of groups includes coverage of team leadership, team building and facilitation skills for managers. Organisational conflict, decisions making and communication are explored as related topics from the behavioural perspective.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. analyse the contributions made by behavioural sciences to the understanding of behaviour in organisations
2. use behavioural science theory and research to explore individual and group performance issues and organisational processes
3. describe effective practice in the management of human performance at work
4. appraise organisational management practices using an organisational psychology framework
5. describe the cultural implications and limitations of a variety of management practices
6. report an improved understanding of their personal leadership competencies and specify broad strategies for future development of leadership skills.

Contribution to graduate profile

Managing People: Concepts and Applications requires students to explore basic questions associated with the experience of work and the management of performance in work organisations. The behavioural science framework used in this subject leads students to consider how research findings and theory can assist in the analysis of problems and decisions in culturally diverse and functionally complex organisations located in international as well as local business environments. The topic coverage exposes students to practical questions concerning the functioning of individuals and groups in the context of complex and evolving technologies and changing ways of conducting business. The practical components require students to address, reflectively and experientially, questions of personal competence, ethical practice, cultural sensitivity and leadership skill development. The mix of theoretical and experiential learning in this subject is designed to help students' to develop and maintain skills and knowledge in their future careers.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is presented in lecture-seminar format with a strong practical-work component. Case studies and experiential exercises are used to link theory and application. A student study guide provides a structured program and links theory and practice for students with limited work experience. Group leadership and facilitation skills are developed through a practical program using peer learning as the development vehicle.

Content

• Organisational behaviour — introduction to the field
• Individual differences in ability and performance
• Motivation and job design
• Groups and teams at work
• Self-managing work teams
• Leadership
• Managing conflict in organisations
• Behavioural aspects of decision making in organisations
• Communication for people management

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Examination (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Skills Prac Assignment (Group)

Assessment item 3: Skills Prac Assignment (Individual)

Required text(s)

Nelson, DL, Quick, J, Murray, P, Poole, D and Jones, G, 2008, Organisational Behaviour, for University of Technology, Sydney (Custom Publishing), Australia: Cengage Learning (To be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop).

A separately printed chapter of 'Conflict', shrinkwrapped with the textbook (To be purchased together with the above textbook from the Co-op Bookshop)

Managing People Course Resource Pack (handed out by your lecturer)

Faculty of Business, Guide to Writing Assignments, UTS, Sydney, 2006 (To be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop).

Other resources

In week three you will receive the 'Managing People Course Resource Pack' from your lecturer. You will notice the resource pack is separated under each week beginning from Week 3 through to Week 13. It is your responsibility to read the appropriate weekly readings and complete all exercise, cases etc. You will need to bring your pack with you each week. The resource pack contains the following:

• requirements of Assignments A (group) and B (individual)
• assignment feedback sheets
• individual journal template
• exercises and cases; and
• referencing guide and plagiarism policy.