YJOS4230 Organizational Behavior (6 op)

The following topics will be covered:

· Introduction to organizational behavior: definitions and theories

· Work design theory

· Leadership and organizational behavior

· Individual behavior and Wellbeing

· Group norms and team processes

· Power and Politics

· Organizational dynamics

The main aim of this seminar is to acquire theoretical and empirical knowledge about organizational behavior. The theoretical knowledge is acquired from scientific literature, tutorials and lectures on the subject. Students will be asked to interpret, apply and reflect on the theories and studies in writing assignments, discussions, and/or presentations.

The second aim of this seminar is to gain experience in conducting research (e.g., quantitative survey, literature reviews) and disseminating findings according to international scientific standards. Students will acquire these skills through a research project that they will conduct and report on in a group. The following learning goals can be specified for the course:

• To acquire knowledge and understanding of theories relating to organizational behavior.
• To acquire in depth knowledge of a diverse set of organizational behaviors and their antecedents and consequences within broader social contexts.
• Are able to analyze complex theoretical, professional and social problems in new or unfamiliar environments, to formulate judgments with incomplete data, and to communicate findings clearly and unambiguously to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Accept that scientific knowledge is always 'work in progress' and that arguments must be considered, and conclusions drawn on the basis of empirical results and valid criticism.
• To understand the impact and function of work characteristics in the development and functioning of formal and informal structures within organisations.
• To be able to write a research report using correct structure, content and language.

Learning goals:

1. Students have thorough understanding of the importance of employee behavior for the organization’s performance.
2. Students are able to creatively use theories and literature on organizational behavior to analyze concrete employee behaviors, such as workplace bullying, absenteeism, sexual harrassment, helping behavior, fraud etc. in concrete organizational settings.
3. Students have a thorough understanding of employees’ motivations of their behaviors and understand how these are affected by the organizational context.
4. Students have a thorough understanding of the consequences of employee behaviors.
5. Students should be able to make proposals about interventions intended to manage or govern employee behaviors that are grounded in theory.
6. Students should be able to use theory and literature to analyze the merits of interventions intended to manage or govern employee behaviors.

Intermediate studies in management and leadership.

Provided through Moodle at start of the course. Will consist of academic articles and book chapters.