Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit is designed to engage students in an active, constructivist exploration of organisational dynamics and behaviour. Through collaborative inquiry and real-world scenarios, students will construct their understanding of dynamic organisational processes such as decision making, power and politics, organisational change, communication, and conflict management. Learners will analyse how these processes influence individual and group behaviour, drawing on organisational theory and behaviour frameworks. Emphasis is placed on students applying contemporary behavioural theories and practices strategically, considering ongoing organisational and environmental changes. The learning environment encourages reflection, discussion, and problem-solving, supporting students to develop critical insights and practical strategies relevant to dynamic organisational contexts.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Apply and critically analyse management theories a...
Learning Outcome 01
Professionally communicate relevant information in...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically reflect on individual and group context...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
- Evolution of organisational theory and behaviour
- Examining individual and group behaviours for organisational performance and decision-making
- Designing organisational structure and jobs within organisational culture and societal culture contexts
- Critically evaluating management of change from the human dignity perspective
- Examining power and politics
- Emerging issues in organisational dynamics and behaviour for common good
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessment is an integral part of the learning process and can be used to foster learning. Assessment tasks in this unit are aimed at developing student’s achievement of both the learning outcomes and graduate attributes. There are two main pieces of summative assessment in this unit.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate competence in all learning outcomes and achieve an aggregate mark of at least 50%. Marking will be in accordance with a rubric specifically developed to measure students’ level of achievement of the learning outcomes for each item of assessment. Students will be awarded a final grade which signifies their overall achievement in the unit.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Scenario Report This assessme...
Assessment Task 1: Scenario Report
This assessment task requires students to write a 1500-word report responding to a provided scenario. Students will conduct research to identify and analyse issues within the scenario. They will describe at least two (2) communication techniques that would assist in identifying and understanding the reasons for these issues. Based on the identified reasons, students will recommend at least four (4) strategies to address the issues and strengthen team or organisational culture as appropriate to the scenario.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Report
Artefact: Written submission
40%
Assessment Task 2: Critical self-reflection journ...
Assessment Task 2: Critical self-reflection journal
This assessment task consists of a 1500 word ‘critical self-reflection learning journal’. A learning journal is based on students’ insights and it provides an opportunity for students to undertake research, critical analysis and evaluation. Students will be required to select from one of the following three topics: (1) power and politics; (2) organisational change; (3) conflict management, and reflect on the ways in which the issues and concepts raised in their selected topic have already and/or are anticipated to influence them personally (positively or detrimentally) in their current or future role as a manager.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Critical self-reflection journal
Artefact: Written submission
60%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
ACU Online
This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress. The fully online mode of delivery is particularly suited to this program, as it accommodates the needs of working professionals in the target countries who are balancing study with career and family responsibilities. Online learning ensures flexibility and accessibility across time zones, while also enabling diverse global cohorts to connect and share perspectives.
Representative texts and references
McShane S, Olekalns M., Newman, A., & Martin, A. 2019 Organisational Behaviour: Emerging Knowledge. Global Insights, 6h Asia Pacific edition, McGraw-Hill.
Wood J, Zeffane R, Fromholtz M, Wiesner R, Morrison RR, Factor A, & McKeown T 2019 Organisational Behaviour: Core concepts and applications, 5th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Australia.
Robbins S & Judge T 2017 Organisational behaviour, 17th ed., Pearson Education, Essex, England.
Colquitte J, Lepine J & Wesson M 2017, Organisational behaviour: improving performance and commitment in the workplace, 5th ed., McGraw-Hill Irwin, New York.
Further references
Journal of Applied Psychology
Personnel Psychology
Human Resource Management Review
Annual Review of Psychology
Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology
Personality & Social Psychology Review