21875 Organisational Behaviour in Practice

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

The subject begins with an overview of organisational behaviour and leadership knowledge and discusses the main sources of leadership wisdom that underpin organisational behaviour practices, from the economic rational through to notions of spiritual leadership. Students learn how to develop and apply knowledge gained through research and theory to organisational practice in order to improve business performance beyond simple financial measures. Thus principles of ethics and social responsibility, as well as sustainability, are important features of the subject that underlie the teaching philosophy. The following topics are covered: introduction to organisational behaviour and leadership; philosophy of leadership wisdom; sources of knowledge and action in organisational behaviour in practice; leadership models and styles; self leadership and coaching; management, motivation and performance; managing conflict and crisis; the individual and performance in organisations – individual differences, personality, learning, self-knowledge, equity and diversity, and values as drivers of organisational performance; leadership and ethics in a global economy; the group – group dynamics, group problem-solving and decision-making; communication - emotions at work, conflict, aggression and bullying; and promoting and managing creativity and innovation.

Subject objectives/outcomes

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

1. understand the field of leadership and organisational behaviour and its role in driving excellence in organisational practice
2. demonstrate a capacity to challenge and question taken-for-granted knowledge to inspire and transform organisational behaviour through advanced leadership knowledge and capabilities
3. use behavioural science theory and research to diagnose and solve individual, group and organisational level performance issues
4. demonstrate knowledge and dynamic capabilities in managing and leading people, teams, and organisations for sustainable performance in both cost and non-cost performance objectives.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject is designed with the underlying philosophy that great leaders create great leaders, not simply more followers. The subject deals directly with the core competencies and capabilities required for effective people management and the necessary dynamic capabilities required for excellence in organisational leadership. Organisational Behaviour in Practice (OBP) involves the integration of a range of theories and approaches from the social sciences in analysing, describing and assessing human and organisational behaviour. OBP is concerned with the interplay between individual, group and organisational levels of behaviour. OBP will draw its knowledge mainly from psychology (individual, social and cognitive), and also behavioural economics, anthropology and sociology.

Businesses and the people that lead them will have to deal with organisational problems and opportunities well beyond those of the past. Changing demographics in terms of ageing, skills and abilities of staff; expectations of staff in relation to working conditions, hours and work-life balance; complex organisational arrangements such as alliances; as well as direct and indirect stakeholder expectations around corporate social responsibility and sustainability, will place challenges on organisational leadership well beyond current capabilities of most leaders in Australia. In short, this subject is designed to help people develop into superior industry leaders, and to lead in a way that adds value to society beyond the 'bottom-line'.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject demands high levels of intellectual involvement and a high degree of action-based learning. While theory is important and underpins the learning in this subject, all theory taught will be demonstrated through practice-based tasks such as in-class exercises, reflective diaries, multimedia, and lively discussion facilitated by the educator. Role-play is an important and challenging component of the subject. The class will also include plenary sessions where major debates will be discussed in panel Q & A sessions. The course will also include web-casting, and the mandatory use of UTSOnline.

Content

• Foundations and advances in leadership wisdom
• Inspiring and motivating performance by building positive psychological capital
• Creating and driving high-performance work teams
• Conflict management and resolution, dealing with workplace bullying and aggression, toxic emotions, and managing difficult people
• Leadership dynamic capabilities in dealing with crises and emergencies in organisations
• Advanced communication: processes and practices; use of computer mediated communications; knowledge management, knowledge capture, sharing and dissemination; interpersonal, organisational and inter-organisational communication and the value of symbolic interactions

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Professional Practice Learning Project (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Organisational Practicum Project (Group)

Assessment item 3: Exam (Individual)

Required text(s)

Huczynski, A and Buchanan, D, 2006, Organizational Behaviour: an Introductory Text, 6th edn, Prentice Hall, London. (Earlier editions of this book should not be used, please be sure to purchase the 6th edition.)

Workbook: A workbook containing lecture slides, in-class exercises and extra reading will be supplied in lecture two.

UTS Online: All other material that is not contained in the textbook or this outline will be provided through UTS Online (http://online.uts.edu.au).