Organisations and behaviour

Case study: You are required to produce a case study showing evidence of application of organization and behaviour to analyse any company of your choice. You may choose the case of a prominent business (Asda, McDonalds, Barclays, HSBC, etc.) operating under the recent economic environment.

Discuss the current organisational behaviour to determine why the company has been successful or a failure in the current Competitive Business Environment

1. Understand the relationship between organisational structure and culture
Types of organisation and associated structures: functional, product-based, geographically based, multi-functional and multi-divisional structures, matrix, centralisation and de-centralisation; organisational charts; spans of control; internal and external network structures; flexible working
Organisational culture: classification of organisational culture – power culture, role culture, task culture, person culture; cultural norms and symbols; values and beliefs; development of organisational culture
Diagnosing behavioural problems: concepts; principles; perspectives; methodology
Perception: definition; perceptual selection; perception and work behaviour; attitude; ability and aptitude; intelligence
Significance and nature of individual differences: self and self-image; personality and work behaviour; conflict
Individual behaviour at work: personality, traits and types; its relevance in understanding self and others
1.1 Compare and contrast different organisational structures and culture
1.2 Explain how the relationship between an organisation’s structure and culture can impact on the performance of the business
1.3 Discuss the factors that influence individual behaviour at work

2. Understand different approaches to management and Leadership

Development of management thought: scientific management; classical administration; bureaucracy; human relations approach; systems approach; contingency approach
Functions of management: planning; organising; commanding; coordinating; controlling
Managerial roles: interpersonal; informational; decisional
Nature of managerial authority: power; authority; responsibility; delegation; conflict
Frames of reference for leadership activities: opportunist; diplomat; technician; achiever; strategist; magician; pluralistic; transformational; change

READ ALSO : Money and Banking

2.1 Compare the effectiveness of different leadership styles in different organisations
2.2 Explain how organisational theory underpins the practice of management
2.3 Evaluate the different approaches to management used by different organisations

3. Understand ways of using motivational theories in organisations

Motivation theories: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs; Herzberg’s Motivation – Hygiene theory; McGregor’s Theory X and Y; Vroom and Expectancy theories; Maccoby, McCrae and Costa – personality dimensions
Motivation and performance: rewards and incentives; motivation and managers; monetary and non-monetary rewards
Leadership: leadership in organisations; managers and leaders; leadership traits; management style; contingency approach; leadership and organisational culture
Leadership and successful change in organisations: pluralistic; transformational; communications; conflict

3.1 discuss the impact that different leadership styles may have on motivation in organisations in periods of change

3.2 Compare the application of different motivational theories within the workplace

3.3 Evaluate the usefulness of a motivation theory for managers

4 Understand mechanisms for developing effective teamwork in organisations
Teams and team building: groups and teams; informal and formal groups; purpose of teams; selecting team members; team roles; Belbin’s theory; stages in team development; team building; team identity; team loyalty; commitment to shared beliefs; multi-disciplinary teams
Team dynamics: group norms; decision-making behaviour; dysfunctional teams; cohesiveness
Impact of technology on team functioning: technology; communication; change; networks and virtual teams; global and cross-cultural teams
4.1 Explain the nature of groups and group behaviour within organisations
4.2 Discuss factors that may promote or inhibit the development of effective teamwork in organisations
4.3 Evaluate the impact of technology on team functioning within a given organisation.