The assessment strategy is designed to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate the extent to which they have developed

• Knowledge of major OB theories and research findings
• The ability to identify practical implications of research
• An appropriate level of competence in library use and research of OB literature
• A critical evaluation of the handling of ideas and concepts

Unit(s) of Assessment	Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
Structured essay 800 words	30
Multiple-choice exam	70

This module deals with selective micro and macro-level aspects of organisational behaviour (OB). The module is concerned with explaining the influence of various factors (e.g. personality, intelligence, motivation, attitudes, perception, structure, organisational culture and leadership) on a wide range of work behaviours. This course forms a basic foundation for later modules in human resource management.

This module is designed to facilitate knowledge acquisition and critical examination regarding key aspects of psychology that are relevant to the management process within an organisational context Practical implications of theories and research findings within a wide range of both large and small scale orgainsations will be examined in order to encourage clear thinking and analysis. 

On successful completion of this module the students will be able to:

• explain the role of behavioural science theory in managerial thinking
• apply analytical frameworks to the interpretation of behaviour at work
• demonstrate an understanding of the principles, features, strengths and weaknesses of alternative aproaches to work organisation
• demonstrate an understanding of major theories and research findings in relation to personality, intelligence, motivation, attitudes, perception, structure, organisational culture and leadership.

Assessment Criteria

In order to achieve the threshold standard for the award of credits for this module, the student must meet the following criteria related to the learning outcomes described above:

• demonstrate an understanding of major theories and findings in OB
• demonstrate a critical understanding of the applied implications of OB research
• demonstrate an ability to write a reasoned, logical argument
• demonstrate an ability to correctly reference material

• Introduction to organisational behaviour
• Personality, intelligence and job performance
• Work motivation
• Attitudes and emotions
• Perception and communication
• Group behaviour
• Organisation theory (including micro and macro perspectives on culture)
• Organisation structure
• Leadership (including creativity and innovation)

The teaching and learning strategy is designed to:

• facilitate the acquisition of knowledge about major theories and findings in the field of organisational behaviour
• encourage the growth of rigorous thinking and individual expression
• increase personal confidence by encouraging students to take responsibility for their own ideas and their own judgements of academic material
• encourage self development through investigative learning
• ensure a competency in library use

The teaching and learning methods include:

• lectures (supported by copies of the PowerPoint slides used in the presentation of material), including discussion of sample practice questions
• individual assignment work
• individual reading and private study

Expected purchase: 

Organisational Behaviour 1. Pearson Education

This module will be using a custom-made textbook created by the module convenor in conjunction with Pearson Education. This textbook will contain chapters selected for their relevance to the module content, which have been sourced from four separate books. The custom-made textbook will be available for purchase only from the University of Surrey Bookshop . It is expected to be available from the middle of September.

Recommended Journals:

Journal of Organizational Behaviour
Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology
Journal of Applied Psychology
Personnel Psychology
Applied Psychology: An International Review
European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology
Journal of Managerial Psychology
Human Performance
Human Relations
Academy of Management Journal
Academy of Management Review
British Journal of Management

11.10.2008