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Society and Culture in Organisational Behaviour

Module Synopsis

This module introduces students to the study of organisational behaviour and encourages them to view organisational and individual actions within the context of contemporary society and culture. It seeks to answer the question Why do organisations and their employees act the way they do? by considering the broader social and cultural forces that influence human behaviour.

It begins with an historical overview of the development of organisational behaviour as an area of study and draws upon the work of important classical writers such as Sophocles, Aristotle, Sun Tzu, Niccolo Machiavelli, Adam Smith, and Max Weber. It also considers how organisational behaviour is reflected in contemporary culture through media such as books and writing, and film and television.

It discusses the leading theories and models that guide organisational behaviour and acknowledges that organisations are more than just 'bricks and mortar', they are complex social structures often motivated by complex human forces, emotions, and relationships.

The module recognises the importance of ethics and values to good corporate governance and looks at what happens when this is absent in a discussion of organisational 'dysfunction'. It considers both positive and negative behaviour by looking at real world examples such as Enron, Worldcom, Johnson and Johnson, James Hardie, HIH, and OneTel.

It seeks to develop understanding of the forces that motivate and influence people and organisations and to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage them.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
  • Demonstrate evidence of an advanced knowledge of organisational behaviour and development
  • Critically analyse and evaluate the key concepts and theories that influence organisational behaviour and development
  • Describe how specific kinds of organisational behaviour are manifested in society
  • Describe how the various theories of organisational behaviour and development interact with and relate to broader business and management disciplines, and demonstrate creativity and flexibility when applying this knowledge in a work or business environment
  • Identify the key resources and research techniques used in the study of organisational behaviour and theory
  • Apply those resources and research techniques to organisational contexts
  • Think independently and apply the skills developed throughout the module to solve complex problems
  • Articulate a personal ethical stance on organisational governance and behaviour

Content areas
  • A brief history of organisational behaviour
  • Organisational structure and design
  • Behaviour and culture: Where Hollywood meets Enron
  • Diversity and the individual within the organisation
  • Values and ethics: The organisational conscience
  • Organisational dysfunction: The Greek tragedy of corporate pathology
  • Power and politics in organisations
  • Empowering and motivating the workforce
  • Managing organisational stress
  • Organisational development and the learning organisation

Textbook and Readings
The text for this module is McShane, S. & Travaliglione, L. (2005) Organisational behaviour on the Pacific Rim. Boston, McGraw Hill. Your readings are an integral part of your studies.

Module Duration and Workload:
This module involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery or self-directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 120 hours of self-study per module including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates as 13 hours per week for the module.

Study method:
On Campus, Distance Education and Online Education
The studies, combined with my previous work experience, have led me into a more satisfying role in an industry I know well. My studies have given me the confidence to manage a role where top notch "soft skills" are essential.
Pip Pearson
Graduate Diploma of Counselling