Organisational Behaviour

Subject 325-621 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 3-hour seminar per week (Semester 1).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Subject Overview: This subject will include the major themes within Organisational Behaviour that help students to understand the issues that influence the behaviour of people working in organisations. Major theories and models in key areas of organisational behaviour will be examined, including employee perception, workplace attitudes, motivation, the organisation of work, stress, conflict, group dynamics, communication, culture, power, strategy, structure and change management. It will explore how organisations can be managed effectively and responsibly. Emphasis will be placed on helping students to make links between different theories in Organisational Behaviour and the practices used by managers in organisations.
Assessment: A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (60%) and assignment(s) not exceeding 3000 words (40%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a knowledge and comprehension of theories & models that describe organisational behaviour;
  • Evaluate the manner in which research is conducted in organisational behaviour;
  • Synthesise and apply major theories and models to organisational problems;

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Problem solving skills and critical thinking skills will be fostered in the seminar program through consideration of organisational examples and critical appraisals of reserach and theory. The learning approach will require students to complete literature seraches to identify key OB issues.
  • Verbal and written communication skills will be developed via the interactive nature of the seminar program.

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