The module is designed to introduce the main elements of individual and organisational behaviour and human resource (HR) practices in organisations, and therefore focuses on people management. In particular, the module provides a context for you to appreciate the complexities of managing people and organisations in the 21st century. The content of this module is focused on the challenges of managing individuals, teams, groups and organisations, by examining a variety of issues inherent in modern organisations and, importantly, the skills that managers require to deal with them. The module also calls for significant reflection on your own skills and career development, since a critical part of the MBA programme is to learn to manage yourself and other people in a work-based environment. During the module you will receive assessments of your personality type and team interaction style. You will also attend a one-day team-building event and a one-day organisational simulation exercise.
This module introduces you to a range of relevant skills for the management of people and organisations in the 21st century. The aim is to provide a context and broad appreciation of the challenges faced by managers in today’s complex organisational and social world, which includes an assessment of how you can develop to meet the future challenges of your own career. By the end of the programme you should be able to demonstrate a range of learning outcomes aimed at understanding how to work with people and get things done in organisations (and also in the MBA itself).
How human resource strategies and practices can contribute to effective performance in organisations.
Critically evaluate organisational behaviour and HR strategies and practices in organisations.
Reflect on your learning and personal development as a manager and/or leader in business.
The syllabus is designed to provide you, the student, with an overview and a context of management in today’s complex and ambiguous business environment. Introduction The nature of organisational behaviour and management Strategic HRM Organisational Behaviour Work motivation and job satisfaction (Individual differences) Team working and team dynamics Organisational structure, design and culture (Cross-cultural management) Power, influence and politics Stress and work-life balance Human Resource Management Recruitment & selection Learning & development Performance and reward management Role of the line manager (giving and receiving feedback) High Involvement Work Systems (HIWS) Managing diversity The module is supported by activity from the MBA Leadership Development Programme (LDP), which contains the following activities: Team role assessment and teamwork activities (outbound learning course) Organisational culture (simulation activity) Personality assessment (workshop) Performance appraisal (participatory theatre) Negotiation skills (group exercise) Cross-cultural awareness (workshop) Mindfulness and well-being (workshop) Students may reflect on these LDP activities to inform the individual reflection assignment in this module.
This module features a number of special features that will enable you to achieve the learning outcomes. As part of the module external speakers/senior managers from practice will join teaching faculty to share their experiences of the complexities and ambiguities in today’s business environment. This view from practice will form an integral part of your development. In addition, the module will hold a day in which you will work on a simulation that reflects current business challenges. The team working aspect is developed through experiential learning. You will partake in off-site, out-of-bounds team training activities that will enable you to appreciate the nature of team dynamics. You will also receive a personality assessment as part of the module with your own individualised report.
Teaching methods include The module will be taught through a series of workshops, simulations, and off-site experiential learning activities. Teaching methods will place emphasis on drawing on and utilising your experiences, and will also include group work, guided reflection, individual study of course materials, and discussion of theories, ideas and concepts.
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Mullins, L. J. (2016). Management & Organisational Behaviour.
Cooper, C (ed) (2005). Leadership and Management in the 21st Century.
Horn, R. (2009). The Business Skills Handbook.
Whetten, D. A. & Cameron, K. S. (2011). Developing Management Skills.
Boxall, P., Purcell, J., (2016). Strategy and HRM.