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Unit of study_

WORK2218: Managing Organisational Behaviour

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit aims to give students the ability to understand how organisations operate. As an introductory organisational behaviour unit, it covers key debates across a range of social science disciplines including business, management, psychology, sociology, and communication studies. Key topics explored include job attitudes, power, team and team processes, organisational design, organisational culture and organisational change.

Unit details and rules

Unit code WORK2218
Academic unit Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
Completion of 24 credit point of 1000-level units.
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ju Li Ng, juli.ng@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Written supervised exam
30% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Participation Participation in Tutorial
Participation in discussion during tutorial. More information in Canvas.
10% Ongoing Weekly
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Online task Online Quiz 1 and Online Quiz 2
Two multiple choice question (MCQ) quizzes
10% Week 04
Due date: 14 Mar 2024 at 10:00

Closing date: 18 Apr 2024
20 minutes each quiz
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment group assignment Group Report
Written report
20% Week 06
Due date: 27 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 06 Apr 2024
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Assignment group assignment Group presentation
Group presentation (Week 11, 12 and 13)
30% Week 11
Due date: 07 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 May 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Group report: This is the first part of the group assignment and the aim of this assessment is to build students’ teamworking and collaborative skills as they work in teams to formulate a group view of a specific topic.
  • Group presentation: This second part of the group assignment requires the group to do a presentation on the chosen group topic.
  • Online Quiz: The aim of this assessment is to test the students’ understanding of the relevant topics and students’ ability to critical analyse and apply theory and concepts. 
  • Participation: The aim of this assessment is to help facilitate peer-learning through discussion whilst building communicative abilities and confidence.
  • Final exam: The aim of the exam is to test the students’ understanding of the relevant topics and the students’ ability to critically analyse and apply theory and concepts. Thus, the breadth and depth of understanding will be assessed.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Please note the University of Sydney Business School's policy regarding late penalty, word length and academic integrity:https://business.sydney.edu.au/student/policy). The policy may be different from the other faculties that you are familiar with. Please also note the additional marking rubrics and information posted on Canvas regarding penalties.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Course Expectations and Introduction to Organisational Behaviour Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Attitudes and Job Satisfaction Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Group Allocation and OB Review Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Self-leadership and Learning Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Short case study and theory evaluation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Power and Politics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Self-leadership and Learning: Self-assessment and Reflection Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Making Decisions at the Workplace Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Power and Politics: The Case of Kristen Peters (A) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Foundations of Group Behaviour Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Decision-making: Case Study Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Trust and Team Building Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Foundations of Group Behaviour: Army Crew Case Study Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Work and Organisational Design Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Trust and Team Building Learning Activities Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Online Module: Managing Diversity (Guest Lecturer: Diversity Council Australia Research Director, Dr Jane O'Leary) Individual study (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Reading week: No lecture or tutorial - Group Presentation Preparation, Drop-in Sessions Independent study (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Organisational Culture Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation: Group 1 and 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Organisational Change Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation: Group 3 and 4 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Unit Summary and Conclusion Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation: Group 5 and 6 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Robbins, S., Judge, T., Edwards, M., Sandiford, P., Fitzgerald, M., Hunt, J. (2020). Organisational Behaviour (9th Ed). Melbourne: Person.

All other readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library or via the Reading List available on Canvas. There are also additional resources that may be cited during the lectures, so also please pay attention to these too.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. explain and evaluate the main models of organisational behaviour
  • LO2. apply theories and frameworks to analyse and provide solutions to real problems in organisational behaviour
  • LO3. reflect and apply the theoretical concepts into the relevant personal experience and engage in experiential learning, that is, learning by doing
  • LO4. work collaboratively to complete tasks and recognise and value the input of group discussions and individual autonomy and accountability to the delivery of outcomes.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The fortnightly live lectures coupled with pre-recorded module have been redesigned to focus on two-hour face-to-face lecture and one hour tutorial.

More information can be found on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.