Management and Organisation Behaviour

The aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of organisational behaviour and management theory; to assess critically the underlying values of these theories; to assess critically the utility and application of the management practices informed by these theories in the Australian context; and to analyse critically the values of Australian managers concerning behaviour in organisations and to evaluate the effectiveness of these assumptions. This unit includes the following topics: overview of the development of organisation/management theory; analysis of scientific management, human relations theory; individual behaviour/perception, personality, learning, motivation; group behaviour: group dynamics, conflict resolution, leadership, concentrating on Australian case studies and incorporating a consideration of issues of gender, ethnicity and age; applications of management/organisation theory in Australia; communication processes, and quality of working life.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse management practices in the Australasian context;
2. Understand organisation behaviour and management theory and critically analyse the underlying values of these theories;
3. Evaluate the impact of management theories on practical management decision making in the Australasian context;
4. Develop skills and knowledge with regard to individual and group behaviour in the context of organisations and their environment and applying these to achieve organisational goals;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues in contemporary business and how they relate to the individual in a work and societal context; and
6. Communicate a knowledge and understanding of management and organisation behaviour theory and practice in written and oral form.