Learning outcomes

The course aims to give a critical review of the most important perspectives and schools in the field of organisational behaviour, as well as discuss the practical applications of these within the area of business studies. The course objective is also to give an introduction to the research methods used in the field.

After participating in the course the student will be able to:

- describe and analyse how different individual, group or organisational aspects affect the possibilities to reach the organisation's goals

- apply basic knowledge of aspects affecting the behaviour of individuals in organisations in order to analyse processes and situations in business practice.

- reflect on and critically examine the different models presented in the course literature.

- relate the knowledge gained in this course to previous knowledge on organising acquired earlier on the basic level.

- summarise complex information and present it orally

- evaluate other students' analyses and solutions to organisational problems.

Content

The course opens with discussing questions at an individual level, and continues by relating these questions to higher levels of analysis, such as groups, organisations, and surroundings. The initial seminar addresses the subject characteristics. This is followed by a discussion about the individual's role in organisations, motivation, and decision-making. Then questions about groups, group behaviour, decision-making, power and politics will be debated. Organisational structure, culture, and change are important course themes, and these topics will be brought forward in seminars. In several seminars the subject will be addressed from a gender theoretical perspective. Furthermore, the course includes special methodology seminars, where research methods used in the field will be studied.

Instruction

The course is given in English and Swedish, and comprises of seminars. Attendance is compulsory. The pedagogical design of the seminars build on so-called problem-based learning.

Assessment

Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system and, for international students, the ECTS grading system. The following grades will be used: VG (passed with distinction), which corresponds to A or B in the ECTS grading system, G (passed), which corresponds to C, D or E, and U (failed) which corresponds to the ECTS grade F.

Course examination includes a written exam, equivalent to 3 ECTS credits, and seminar assignments, equivalent to 4.5 ECTS credits.

The seminar assignments include:

- oral presentations

- hand-in assignments

- evaluation of other students' assignments

- active participation in seminars

- a written report (team)

Performance is assessed by using so called Assessment Units (AU). The written exam represents maximally 40 AU and performance during seminars maximally 60 AU out of totally 100 AU for the course. To obtain the final grade G, the grade G is required for both the exam and seminar assignments. The final course grade VG is based on a all the assessed assignments. More information is given in the course instruction

In addition, any remaining assignments and supplements must be completed and handed in at least within two weeks after the end of the course otherwise this part of the examination (all assignments included) has to be redone the following semester, provided there is space in the course.

Attention Swedish students: Only completed courses can be recognised in your degree.