Management Perspectives and Organisational Behaviour - Introduction

Introduction to Organisational Behaviour

Module Overview

  • Module content and assessment information.
  • Lectures, tutorials, and independent study.
  • Assessment: 100% examination (MCQ and essay question on Semester 2 content).

Key Concepts in Organisational Behaviour

  • Definition of Organisation: A collection of interacting and interdependent individuals working towards common goals within a defined structure (Duncan, 1981).
  • Definition of Organisational Behaviour (OB): The study of individuals and groups in organisations (French et al., 2011).
  • Characteristics of OB: Applied focus, contingency orientation, rigorous study.
  • Common Factors in Organisations: People, objectives, structure, and management (Mullins, 2010).

Core Elements of OB

  • Systematic study of behaviour enhances predictability.
  • Evidence-Based Management (EBM) complements systematic study.
  • Levels of analysis: Individual, Group, Organisation.

Variables in OB

  • Outcomes (Dependent Variables): Wellbeing, job satisfaction, performance, motivation, absenteeism, turnover, sickness, deviance. Aim is to increase positive outcomes and reduce negative ones.
  • Predictors (Independent Variables): Personality, workplace practices, leadership.

OB Research

  • Qualitative vs. quantitative methods.
  • Examples: surveys, experiments, interventions, meta-analyses, reviews.

Challenges and Opportunities in OB

  • Responding to globalization.
  • Managing workforce diversity.
  • Stimulating innovation and creativity.
  • Managing change and coping with temporariness.
  • Helping employees balance work-life conflicts.
  • Creating a positive work environment and facilitating ethical behaviour.
  • Enhancing leadership effectiveness.

Managerial Implications

  • Ensuring a healthy workplace (‘decent work’).
  • Focusing on employee contribution, retention, and selection.
  • Promoting effective individuals and teams.
  • Taking a holistic approach to organisational culture and problem-solving.

Concluding Remarks

  • OB uses systematic study to improve predictions of behaviour.
  • It identifies factors promoting/undermining effective workplace functioning.
  • Contingency framework is essential due to individual differences.
  • Understanding underlying processes is crucial.