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.