Introductory description

This module is for non-WBS students and forms part of the new Business and Management pathway.

This module will draw on interdisciplinary theory and research from the field of management, as well as complementary fields of psychology, sociology and economics, to introduce and consider how individuals and groups affect and are affected by organisations and the role of management in such processes. Its practical relevance lies
in developing within students the ability to deal effectively with the challenges that arise in changing work environments, as well as understand how management matters.
At the macro level, specific attention will be given to the study of organisations as social systems; the dynamics of change and survival in organisations; and the relationships between organisations and their environments. At the micro level, topics covered will include enhancing personal and organisational effectiveness, improving decision-making skills, and resolving conflicts in the workplace.
The module will examine both classic readings and more recent treatments of key topics in management. Students will be encouraged to critically engage with the literature and participate in class discussions which will include case analyses and experiential exercises.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Rational perspective of organisations
• Natural and open-systems perspectives of organisations
• The employment relationship and critical perspectives of organisations
• Management, managers and leaders
• Groups and teams
• Power and politics in organisations
• Management and ethics
• Diversity in organisations
• Future of organisations
• Module summary and assessment guidance

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a solid command of the major conceptual frameworks relating to organisational analysis as it pertains to management, appreciating both its relationship to external environments, and its internal dynamics.
• Critically assess and contrast a variety of perspectives on management issues in theory and practice.
• Recognise and critically evaluate the assumptions that underpin the theories covered on the module.

Indicative reading list

There is no set textbook for this module. Nevertheless, the following textbooks complement the module well, and together provide
ample support on a variety of topics approached in this module:

• Bratton, J., 2015. Introduction to work and organisational behaviour. Third edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Buchanan, D.A. and Huczynski, A.A., 2019. Organisational behaviour. Tenth edition. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education.
• King, D. and Lawley, S., 2016. Organizational Behaviour. Second edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  For each lecture, a specific list of additional and more specific readings will be provided.

Subject specific skills

Demonstrate advanced interpersonal skills that will be useful in professional careers such as presenting arguments,
critical thinking, and influencing others, while keeping in mind sustainability and ethical concerns.

Transferable skills

1. Present a theoretically informed and conceptually nuanced analysis of timely issues when it comes to
   management in organisations.
2. Apply theoretical insights to real-life management cases to support better performance of related skills.