Organisations are composed of people. The study of human behaviour is, therefore, fundamental to understand organisations and organisational effectiveness. The primary purpose of this unit is to improve the management of organisations through the development of knowledge of human behaviour.

The unit will draw upon concepts and theories from 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 in organisations (i.e. organisational behaviour).

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. 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, students will understand, integrate, and apply knowledge on why people act the way they do in organisations and learn how this knowledge can be used in the effective management of people and organisations.