ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOURICBM-SCHOOL OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: JULY, 2014

INSTRUCTORS: Chaganti Vinay Kumar, Ph.D Vidisha Garg, MBA

PEDAGOGY: Lectures / discussions Case discussions / constructivist exercises

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course develops a preliminary understanding of the structure of organizations, the behaviour of individuals and groups in organizations, and how organizations develop certain characteristics that define them. The syllabus is broadly divided into five units:

The introductory unit sets a framework for developing discussions over the rest of the course. To that extent, we shall briefly introduce the notion of individual behaviour, and the roles played by individuals as managerial members of organization. The foundations of individual behaviours would also be discussed.

In the second unit, we shall present how organizational structures have evolved over time, the tensions which underlie such evolution, and how structures have a capacity to influence behaviour of individuals.

In the third unit, we shall discuss the idea of motivation. There are several theories offering varied explanations, in some cases prescriptions, to what makes individuals do things. The idea that behaviour of individuals is guided by their interactions with others will be grounded. This unit also opens the discussion on groups, different types of them, and how they behave in organizations.

Following from the third unit, in the fourth, we will discuss what makes individuals take up leadership roles, and thereby perhaps progress in organizational hierarchies. We discuss different leadership theories, and try to gain insights on what separates leaders from the rest in the group/organization.

In the fifth unit, we shall explore the ideas of culture, power, and politics in organizations. We shall develop our understanding of how these concepts manifest and call for conscious attention. Aspects of managing stress and conflict are dealt with towards the end of the course.

RECOMMENDED READINGS:Apart from assigned readings during the course, students are suggested to keep a copy of at least one of these books for ready reference.

Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2012). Organizational Behavior, 15th Edition. Pearson/Prentice Hall: New Jersey.

Luthans, F. (2011). Organizational behavior: An evidence-based approach, 12th Edition. McGraw-Hill: Irwin.

INDICATIVE SESSION PLAN:

Unit Session Topic

One

1-2Introduction to organizational behaviour;Disciplines that contribute to organizational behaviour

3-4Foundations of individual behaviour;Personality, Nature vs. nurture dilemma

5-6 Emotions, perceptions, rationality

Two

7-8Understanding organizational structure;Different forms of organizational structures

9-10Bureaucratic / divisional structures;Matrix / contemporary structures

11-12 Restructuring organizations

Three

13-14 Theories of motivation15-16 Dynamics of motivation in virtual workplaces

17-18Foundations of group behaviour;Types of groups and their characteristics;Team development life cycle

19-20Decision-making in teams;Field work

21Transactional analysis;Life positions, Johari window

Four 22-23Notion of leadership; Traditional and modern theories; Managerial grid

Five

24-25 Organizational culture and its determinants26 Creativity, innovation, learning organizations

27-28 Power and politics in organizations29 Conflict management30 Stress management

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES:1. Primitive engagement: attendance, every session 2. Classroom attention: short classroom quizzes, every/alternate sessions3. Out-of-class preparation: short internet-based reading exercises, alternate sessions4. Reading and recall: end of unit quizzes/tests based on suggested readings5. Comprehension: learning dairy verified ‘at random’6. Group learning: field work and report submission, once during the course7. Analytical capacity: end of unit case discussions and analysis submissions8. Active engagement: queries/constructive feedback, each session