Organisational Behaviour (OB) 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. To do this, managers must be able to understand the behaviour of others and attempt to predict and influence it. It is hoped that, 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. 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 an integrated and contingency approach to management, has an applied focus, and rests on scientific foundations.