Organisational behaviour is the study of human behaviour at the individual, group and organisational level. The primary purpose of this unit is to improve the management of organisations through the development of knowledge of human behaviour. An understanding of human behaviour is needed to establish and maintain productive working relationships both within the organisation (supervisors, peers and subordinates) and outside the organisation (customers, unions, suppliers and competitors). In order to establish and maintain these relationships, managers must be able to understand the behaviour of others and attempt to predict and influence it. Organisational behaviour is a field of study that draws upon a diverse range of disciplines (including psychology, social psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science and economics) for a systematic and integrated approach to the study of human behaviour. While its concepts, theories and understandings about human behaviour draw upon these disciplines, organisational behaviour is unique in that it takes both an integrated and contingency approach to management and has an applied focus and rests on scientific foundations. The topics in the study schedule begin with a focus on the individual analysis of behaviour, characterised by factors such as individual behaviour, abilities, attitudes, personality, perception, emotions and moods, job satisfaction and motivation. These topics are central to understanding individuals both as employees and as consumers. Next, the analysis of behaviour at the group or team level examines the dynamics of group and team processes, including the distribution of power, the impact of politics, and leadership. Understanding the nature of formal and informal group processes is central to improving organisational efficiency and influences individual decisions. Finally, topics covered at the organisational level of analysis include organisational structure and design, organisational culture, and the processes involved in organisational change and adaptation required to meet the ever-increasing demands of the competitive global marketplace. Through your active participation in this unit, you will gain an appreciation of organisational behaviour as a field of study, which can be used in the effective management of people and organisations.