This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The main strand of the lecture material will establish the foundations of organisational behaviour in the context of the historical development of ideas and theory. The theories will be related to practical examples and thence students will be introduced to modern experience, practice and scholarship. Once the information of the foundation of organisational behaviour is established, at the next level, contemporary topics of management will be touched upon briefly. This will provide students with basic knowledge related to modern management practices. The content of the module will, therefore, be based on the following topics:
• Scientific Management
• Human Relations School
• Bureaucracy
• Post Bureaucratic Organizations
• Contingency Approach
• Group and teams
• Motivation
• Power and authority
• Managing diversity
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Group Presentation (15%)
Seminar Performance (5%)
In-Course Test – Essay (800 – 1000 words) (20%)
Exam, 2 hours (60%)
Reassessment method:
100% exam
Clegg, S. Kornberger, M. and Pitsis, T. (2011): Managing and Organizations: An Introduction to Theory and Practice, 3rd Edition. London: Sage
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
Intended subject specific learning outcomes:
- Understand the key concepts and theories of organisational behaviour and management, including their historical development.
- Understand the key elements and operation of organisations and the process of management.
- Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of various organisational theories.
- Apply these theories to practical issues associated with the management of people and organisations
- Discuss ideas relating to management and organisational behaviour, both orally and in writing.
Intended generic learning outcomes:
- Plan, work and study independently using relevant resources.
- Appreciate the context in which management decisions are made, drawing on the scholarly and critical insights of the Social Sciences.
- Appreciate and understand the relationships between the theories of behavioural science and the practical experiences of management and behaviour of people at work.
- Use group working skills, including listening, responding to different points of view, negotiating outcomes, and planning and making a joint presentation.
- Present a cogent argument orally, demonstrating good vocal skills which match the environment, and making use of appropriate presentational tools.
- Retrieve information from a variety of resources.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
