PSYCHOL 7333 - Organisational Behaviour & Management

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the factors that impact upon the behaviour of the individual in the workplace and how these factors can be used to structure a work environment and work experience that enhances both organisational and individual outcomes. It includes a consideration of values and attitudes, perception, motivation, and personality. It also analyses interpersonal influences that impact upon group behaviour in work settings. Topics covered in the course include communication and managing conflict, stress, individuals in groups and teamwork, decision-making, leadership, and issues in power and politics. In addition, it examines the influence of broader, organisation wide factors on behaviour in the workplace, with a specific focus on "person-organisation fit". Topics covered in this section include organisational structure and work design and organisational culture.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PSYCHOL 7333
    Course Organisational Behaviour & Management
    Coordinating Unit Psychology
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites PSYCHOL 7330 and PSYCHOL 7331
    Restrictions Available to M Psych (O&HF) and PhD/MPsych(O&HF) students only or by the permission of the Head of School
    Assessment Assignments and self directed learning exercises
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Daniel Sturman

    Dr Daniel Sturman
    Ph - 8313 3850
    Location: Room 725, Level 7, Hughes Building
    Email: daniel.sturman@adelaide.edu.au


    Other staff:
    Dr Jaime Auton
    Ph - 8313 7464
    Location: Room 726, Level 7, Hughes Building
    Email: jaime.auton@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    The following learning outcomes are consistent with the APS College Course Approval guidelines for Postgraduate Specialist Courses in Organisational Psychology. 
    http://www.psychology.org.au/academic/course-approval/

    At the successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1.    Demonstrate competency in the identification and application of scientific solutions to solve human problems at work.
    2.    Demonstrate knowledge relevant to organisational behaviour theories and models. 
    3.    Demonstrate knowledge of the factors that can impact upon the behaviour of the individuals in the workplace and how these can be used to structure a work environment that enhances both organisational and individual outcomes.
    4.    Demonstrate competence in analysing the organisational behaviour problems of case study organisations and presenting strategies for improving individual and organisational performance.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,2,3,4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Lecturers will provide reading material that will be made available in class and on MyUni at the following link:
    https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/

    For additional information regarding required resources  please refer to the Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors) program handbook at the following link:
    http://health.adelaide.edu.au/psychology/students/resource/handbooksforms.html
    Recommended Resources
    The Library is a major resource centre for students. The Research Librarian for Psychology, Maureen Bell, provides some useful information through the Internet at http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/psychology. The website contains a list of databases, links to tutorials and help with searching methods.

    For additional information relating to recommended resources please refer to the Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors) program handbook at the following link:
    http://health.adelaide.edu.au/psychology/students/resource/handbooksforms.html
    Online Learning
    This course may use MyUni for one or more of the following:
    - Communication with students via Announcements and Discussion Board
    - Submission of assessment
    - Access to resources such as additional readings
    - Self-directed learning activities    

    Link to MyUni: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Learning & Teaching Activities

    Lecturers will support group discussion related to the
    lecture content. This will include organisational case scenarios examples to guide the
    development of knowledge and critical thinking on issues in organisational behaviour and management.



    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.



    Seminars: 3 hrs each week for 12 weeks = 36 hours
    Independent reading: 2 hours per week
    Assignment 1: 25 hours
    Assignment 2: 25 hours

    Learning Activities Summary

    Seminar Topics:

    1. Introduction to Organisational Behaviour and Management - concepts, definitions and historical background
    2. Individual differences - including abilities, personality, attitudes
    3. Motivation - concepts, theories, evidence
    4. Stress - concepts, personal and environmental
    5. Groups and teams - concepts, theories, evidence
    6. Leadership - concepts, theories, evidence
    7. Communication - concepts, theories, evidence
    8. Power and politics - concepts, theories, evidence
    9. Decision-making - concepts, theories, evidence
    10. Organisational structure - concepts, theories, evidence
    11. Organisational culture - concepts, theories, evidence
    12. Organisational change - concepts, theories, evidence
    Specific Course Requirements


    On enrolment all students MUST apply for and obtain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.  All
    students are required to provide a copy of their registration details to the Program Administrator on their first day in the Program: this will be required for the Summer School courses Professional Practice and Evidence-Based Practice.The application form and details of fees payable are available from the PBA website: http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Forms.aspx.


    Candidates are required to consent to a police check as part of their application to the Psychology Board of Australia for Provisional Registration, a requirement of enrolment in the program. A satisfactory current police check is mandatory.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Tasks                                                       Assessment Type                 Weighting              Learning outcomes addressed

    Assignment 1 - Case study on a course topic with            Summative                            40%                      1-4
    questions to be answered in a written report.

    Assignment 2 - Small group debate/discussion on            Summative                            40%                      1-4
    a set issue with a set position. 

    Assignment 3 - In class exam                                        Summative                            20%                      1-4

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance at all seminars is mandatory to ensure students attain and can demonstrate the relevant required competencies. Should students fail to meet mandatory attendance requirements by being absent this may lead to a fail grade for the course. Exemptions to mandatory attendance requirements may be granted for up to 2 seminars by the Course Coordinator if there are exceptional medical, compassionate, or extenuating circumstances as defined by the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy. Students will be required to complete redemption exercises to the satisfaction of the Course Coordinator for any seminars missed.
    Assessment Detail
    Assignment 1: This assignment involves a case study based on a topic in the course with questions to be answered in a written report

    Assignment 2: Students will be assigned to small groups to prepare a discussion (like a debate) on a set issue with a set position. At least one other team will present an alternative position. 

    Assignment 3: A 1-hour written test assessing all material covered throughout the semester. 

    Further details of these assignments will be provided in class.




    Submission


    Assignments are to be submitted electronically to the Course Coordinator, along with a signed cover sheet (available on MyUni).

    The School of Psychology undertakes to adhere to the University’s Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy, Procedure 6a, which requires that assessments are returned within 4 weeks of the deadlines for submission.

    Extension of time for an assignment may be granted at the discretion of the Course Coordinator, to whom students should apply in writing (or email) before the due date and time. No requests for extensions will be considered if made after the due date and time.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.