Critical Approaches to Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour - BUSN7430

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2024 to 2025
Medway
Spring Term 6 15 (7.5) Manjusha Hirekhan checkmark-circle

Overview

The aims of this module are to develop an insight into the key concepts and theories of human resource management (HRM) and organisational behaviour (OB). It will develop in students an understanding of the links between HRM policies and practices and organisational performance, and the factors that influence the management of employees

Content will include:

1) An introduction to Human Resource Management (HRM) and Organisational Behaviour (OB)
2) Strategic HRM
3) Performance Management
4) Strategic Recruitment and Selection
5) Leadership
6) Power, Politics and Decision Making
7) Making the business case for diversity
8) Organisational Culture and International HRM
9) Pay, Performance and Reward
10) Managing Innovation and Change
11) HRM and Ethics

Details

Contact hours

The module will be taught by lectures, seminars, PC lab seminars and private study.

Total Contact Hours: 21
Private Study Hours: 129

Method of assessment

Main assessment methods
Individual Essay – 3,000 words (40%)
Exam – 2 hour, unseen, closed book – (60%)

Reassessment methods
Reassessment will be by 100% closed book 2 hour examination

Indicative reading

Core textbook:
Clegg, S. R., Kornberger, M., and Pitsis, T. (2011). Managing and organizations: An introduction to theory and practice. London: Sage

Further indicative readings:
Redman T. and Wilkinson A. (2013). Contemporary Human Resource Management: Text and Cases. London: FT Prentice Hall
Robbins, S. P., and Judge, T. A. (2001). Organizational Behavior. New Jersey: Pearson
Storey J. (2007). Human Resource Management: A Critical Text. London: Thomson
Torrington D., Hall, L. and Taylor S. (2008). Human Resource Management. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall
Beardwell, J. and Claydon, T. (2010). Human Resource Management: A Contemporary Approach. 6th edn. London: FT Prentice Hall
Kramar, R. and Syed, J. (2012). Human Resource Management in a Global Context. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan

See the library reading list for this module (Medway)

Learning outcomes

The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Critically evaluate and apply the theory of strategic human resource management (HRM) and its links with wider theories.
- Critically evaluate the links between strategic HRM and business strategy.
- Critically assess the role of strategic HRM in the performance of organisations.
- Through an analysis of case study materials, critique current issues in organisational behaviour (OB) and HRM in a variety of work settings.
- Critically evaluate and apply the theory of organisational wellbeing, particularly related to mental health/stress in the workplace and as part of strategic human resource management.

The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to organise and present an analysis as a considered viewpoint.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking to a range of competing theories and frameworks.
- Demonstrate an ability to find, select, organise and synthesise complex information.
- Demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility in undertaking independent and self-managed learning.

Notes

  1. Credit level 6. Higher level module usually taken in Stage 3 of an undergraduate degree.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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