This course aims to provide an evidence-based understanding of human behaviours and decision-making in organizations. Specifically, the topics of this class are designed to enhance students’ appreciation of theories and theory-informed practices on human performance, work satisfaction, work motivation, organizational teams, group decision-making, and leadership. This class equips students with the fundamental theoretical understanding of human behaviours in the workplace, which can be used to resolve the most common workplace issues and problems. 

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. list relevant theories, models, and methods for organizational behaviours (Remember + Ask)
2. accurately define different theories, models, and methods for organizational behaviours (Remember + Ask) 
3. critically discuss human behaviours in the workplace from a relevant theoretical standpoint (Acquire + Analyse) 
4. recall the weaknesses and strengths of different theories relevant to organizational behaviour (Understand + Aggregate) 
5. gauge the impacts of their own experience from the relevant theoretical framework (Appraise + Analyse)  
6. apply theoretical models and concepts to current organizational practices, problems, and issues (Apply + Adapt) 
7. develop a research proposal in the area of organizational behaviour (Apply + Create) 
8. devise evidence-based strategies and recommendations to address an organizational problem (Assess + Create).

Research-Led Teaching

This course integrates research from diverse academic domains, including social psychology, psychology, and management. This approach enhances students’ understanding of organisational behaviour and equips them to apply their knowledge effectively in real-world organisational contexts. The lecture recordings will be available on Canvas.

Field Trips

There are no field trips for this class.

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional costs for this class.

Examination Material or equipment

There is a final examination for this course held during the end-of-semester examination period. All examination information will be communicated directly to students by the ANU Examinations Office. Specific details of the exam date will be available closer to the commencement of the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/. Further advice will be provided by the end of Week 12. The examination will be administered in person and is a closed-book exam (no materials permitted).

Required Resources

As part of this course, students are expected to read book chapters that are assigned on a weekly basis. Book chapters can be accessed from the ANU library for free, or can be purchased in either hardcopy or e-book format from the publisher. 

• Neck, C., Houghton, D., & Murray, E. (2023). Organizational behavior: A skill-building approach, third edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.

Any further readings will be made available via the course Canvas site as necessary.

Recommended Resources

Articles from the following journals:

• Academy of Management Journal
• Annual Review of Psychology
• American Psychologist
• Journal of Management Studies

Note: These journals are available in full text through the ANU Library.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Support for Students

The University offers a number of support services for students. Information on these is available online from http://students.anu.edu.au/studentlife/

Publication of Final Results

The release of final grades may change prior to end of semester. The last return of assessment date (4th Dec 2025) provided in the Assessment Summary table is the latest expected. If results are released earlier, then that assessment item(s) will be returned earlier as well.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	WK 1. Why Organizational Behavior (OB) Matters Introduction to the course	*Reading: Ch1 "Why Organizational Behavior Matters"
2	WK 2. Team Formation and Personality Tests	*Tests: Gender-career IAT and skin-tone IAT. Complete these tests and upload your results to Canvas.*Form teams (5-6 students per team): Each team will need to select a leader, upload their team name, along with each member’s name and UID, to Canvas.*For details, check Canvas.
3	WK 3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion	*In-Class Resume Activities: How do you decide who to interview for a job?*Required reading:Ch2 "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" *Additional reading:Farh, C. I., Oh, J. K., Hollenbeck, J. R., Yu, A., Lee, S. M., & King, D. D. (2020). Token female voice enactment in traditionally male-dominated teams: Facilitating conditions and consequences for performance. Academy of Management Journal, 63(3), 832-856.
4	WK 4. Personality and Individual Differences	*Big Five personality test : Print your scores and discuss in class.*Reading: Ch3 "Personality and Individual Differences" *Assessment 2 (Team proposal) due
5	WK 5. Emotions at Work	*Required reading:Ch5 " Emotions, Attitudes, and Stress"  *Additional reading:Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226.*Weekly Quiz 1 due
6	WK 6. Motivation	*Reading: Ch6 "Motivation: Concepts and Theoretical Perspectives" *Weekly Quiz 2 due
7	WK 7. Teams	*Required reading:Ch8 "Teams"  *Additional reading:Tajfel, H. (1982). Social Psychology of Intergroup relations. Annual Review of Psychology, 33: 1-39.*Weekly Quiz 3 due
8	WK 8. Application of OB theories and models to your team	*Assessment 2. In-Class Team Challenge 1.*For details, check Canvas.*Weekly Quiz 4 due
9	WK 9. Judgement and Decision Making	*Reading: Ch9 "Decision Making, Creativity and Innovation" *Weekly Quiz 5 due
10	WK 10. Leadership	*Required reading:Ch13 " Leadership Perspectives” *Additional reading:Pham, N. T., Lu, J., Ogbonnaya, C., Tuan, T. H., Degbey, W. Y., & Laker, B. (2024). A more ethical workplace? How and why perceived socially responsible human resource management makes a difference. Journal of Management Studies. 0:1-31. *Weekly Quiz 6 due
11	WK 11. Trust, Conflict, and Negotiation	*Reading: Ch12 "Trust, Conflict, and Negotiation”*Assessment 3. Team Reflection Presentation Submission due*Weekly Quiz 7 due
12	WK 12. Application of OB theories, models and concepts to your team	*Assessment 3. In-Class Team Challenge 2.*For details, check Canvas.

Tutorial Registration

No tutorial for this course.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weekly quizzes (Individual assessment): 35%	35 %	*	*	1,2,4,6,8
In-Class Team Challenge 1 (Group work and group assessment): 15%	15 %	16/08/2025	*	3,4,5,6,7,8
In-Class Team Challenge 2 (Group work and group assessment): 25%	25 %	18/10/2025	24/10/2025	3,4,5,6,7,8
OB Experiment Participation (Individual assessment): 5%	5 %	18/10/2025	04/12/2025	1,3,6
Final exam (Individual assessment): 20%	20 %	*	04/12/2025	2,3,4,5,6,8

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at lectures, while not compulsory, is expected in line with “Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning”, clause 2 paragraph (b).

Lectures will be presented in person and also recorded and made available on Canvas.

In that public holidays fall on Lecture days, a pre-recorded lecture and lecture materials will be uploaded to Canvas in lieu of a live lecture.

Examination(s)

There is a final examination for this course held during the end-of-semester examination period. All examination information will be communicated directly to students by the ANU Examinations Office. Specific details of the exam date will be available closer to the commencement of the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/. Further advice will be provided by the end of Week 12. The examination will be administered in person and is a closed-book exam (no materials permitted).

Assessment Task 1

Weekly quizzes (Individual assessment): 35%

The first assignment is online quizzes (7 weeks x 5% for each quiz = 35%). You will have weekly quizzes to complete throughout the course, from Week 5 to Week 11. These quizzes will consist of a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer questions designed to assess your understanding of the material covered in the previous weeks' lectures. You can access the quizzes through the course Canvas site. Each quiz allows only one attempt, and you must complete it in one session. Please ensure you click the "submit" button; otherwise, your responses will not be recorded or submitted.

 

All quizzes will open on Tuesdays at 9 AM and close at 11:59 PM on the same week's Saturday. Feedback will be available on the following week's Tuesday on the course Canvas site after all students have completed the quiz. Please plan your time accordingly.

 

You must complete these quizzes independently. Do not share answers or work together. No late submissions will be permitted. Students with extenuating circumstances that prevent timely submissions may seek support via an ECA request.

 

In this course, you may choose to use or not use AI tools. In any case where AI tools are used, you must do so in a way consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI and the ANU provides further broad guidance in the ANU Gen AI LibGuide.

Due Date: Every Tuesday (starting Week 5) from 09:00am to Every Saturday 11:59 pm, through the course Canvas site.

 

Feedback Date: Tuesday of the following week.

Assessment Task 2

In-Class Team Challenge 1 (Group work and group assessment): 15%

The second assessment consists of two parts in Week 4 and Week 8.

This team challenge will require you to work in teams to design and create a costume (a hat, top, bottom, and pair of shoes) that can be worn and showcased in a 5-minute catwalk at the end of the challenge. You’ll have one hour to create your costume as a team. All materials (three sheets of 1100cm (L) x 50cm (W) paper and one roll of toilet paper per team), along with instructions for their use, will be provided. Do not bring or use any materials other than scissors and tape. Marking criteria and detailed guidelines are available from the course Canvas site in Week 1.

The ‘winner’ will receive recognition, such as a chocolate or a lollipop! To succeed, it’s essential that each team member understands their own strengths and weaknesses, and more importantly, works together as a team!

a. Week 4: Proposal Submission (5%)

Imagine you’re working at a fashion house like Dior or Chanel. As a team, your task is to design and promote your own costume for the upcoming Spring/Summer collection.

By the end of Week 4, your team must submit a detailed proposal that includes:

1. Each team member’s role, based on your understanding of their test results from Weeks 2 and 4. For example, Susan who is very imaginative (according to the Week 4 test results) will make the hat, while Jake who is agreeable will be responsible for designing all four pieces.
2. A unique theme for your costume (e.g., Black Forest).
3. A creative name for your costume (e.g., Fairy Godmother).
4. Upload your completed proposal, addressing all three elements above, to the course Canvas site.

Marking criteria

Your proposal must be fewer than 250 words. There is a penalty for exceeding the word limit (-1 point for every 10% over).

It must include the following information:

• Explain how each team member was assigned a role, based on your understanding of their test results from Weeks 2 and 4.
• Describe a unique theme for your costume (e.g., Black Forest) and provide a creative name for the costume (e.g., Fairy Godmother).

Please note that references are not required.

In this course, you may choose to use or not use AI tools. In any case where AI tools are used, you must do so in a way consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI and the ANU provides further broad guidance in the ANU Gen AI LibGuide.

b. Week 8: In-class costume creation and presentation (10%)

In Week 8, your team will build the costume based on the Week 4 proposal. Your final product must clearly reflect your chosen theme and costume name. Presentations will be video recorded, which will enable later validation and verification of assessment if required (in accordance with point 7 in the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) policy)

*Remember, this is a team effort. If you work alone or fail to collaborate effectively, the task will be difficult to complete. Every team member should communicate regularly and actively contribute to planning, designing, and constructing the costume.

 

All materials (three sheets of 1100cm (L) x 50cm (W) paper and one roll of toilet paper per team) will be provided. You can bring scissors and tape. Using non-provided materials will result in a score of 0.

 

Your team must also appoint a model to wear and present the costume during the final catwalk. Costumes will be assessed based on creativity and durability—how well the costume withstands the walk—and judged by a class poll in our "fashion house."

 

*Important Notes: If your team produces only one item (e.g., a shoe), you will receive a score of 0. Your costume must include all four pieces. If any team member is absent, late, or leaves early after completing their part, the entire team will lose marks. Show your teamwork and commitment. Everyone’s contribution matters!

Due Date: Proposal must be submitted by Saturday at 11:59 PM in Week 4 via Canvas.

Feedback Date:

• Proposal feedback: Week 5.
• In-class challenge feedback: Week 8.

Assessment Task 3

In-Class Team Challenge 2 (Group work and group assessment): 25%

The second team challenge involves two parts:

a. Team Reflection Presentation in Week 12 (10%)

You will need to apply relevant theories, concepts, and models to analyse your team’s behaviour during Team Challenge 1 and reflect on how to improve both individual and team performance.

 

Based on your experience in the first challenge, identify the main issue your team faced (aka. the key challenge that led to other problems) and address it in preparation for the second team challenge. Avoid listing multiple separate issues. Instead, focus on one underlying issue that may have caused several symptoms.

 

For example, your team may have experienced problems such as absenteeism, members leaving early, or constant phone use. Rather than treating these as separate issues, consider whether they stem from a deeper root cause, namely lack of motivation. 

 

Choose one relevant theory, model, or concept to analyse this main issue, and prepare a 7-minute in-class presentation explaining your analysis. Every team member is expected to contribute meaningfully to the presentation.

If you use GenAI, you must include the following information on the last page of your reflection presentation:

(i)             Specify the tools used (e.g., ChatGPT 3.5).

(ii)            State the purpose(s) for which you used them in the task (e.g., to improve writing style).

(iii)          Identify the specific aspects or features of the tools used (e.g., proofreading and editing functions of ChatGPT).

(iv)           Provide evidence of how the information generated by GenAI modified your assessment task (e.g., submission of a separate file with tracked changes that shows the progression of your work and the contribution of AI to completing the task).  

 

b. In-Class Team Challenge in Week 12 (15%)

For this challenge, imagine you are working at a renowned architecture firm, such as Zaha Hadid Architects. Your firm has been shortlisted by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Organizing Committee to design a key structure, and you're now competing internally to be selected for the project.

 

Working in teams, your task is to construct the tallest free-standing structure with a decorative element at the top, using only the materials provided (20 spaghetti sticks, 1m tape, 5 small marshmallows and one big marshmallow per team). The decoration at the top of the structure should not be permanently attached, as it will be removed to test the sturdiness of the build.

You will have 30 minutes to complete the build. The winner will be determined by your firm, namely your lecturer, based on teamwork as well as height and sturdiness of the build. Height will be measured from the base to the top of the decoration (in centimetres). Sturdiness will be tested by removing the decoration and timing how long the structure remains standing (in seconds).

 

During the challenge, make sure to apply what you proposed in your presentation to improve individual and team performance. Reflect on what you learned from the first challenge and the course material to work more effectively as a team. As with the first challenge, if any team member is absent, late, or leaves early, the entire team will forfeit the marks.

Marking criteria

• Did the team use only the materials provided (20 spaghetti sticks, 1m of tape, 5 small marshmallows, and 1 large marshmallow per team)?
• How tall is the structure, measured from the base to the top of the decoration (in centimetres)?
• How long does the structure remain standing (in seconds) after the decoration at the top is removed?
• Did the team apply the strategies proposed in their presentation to improve individual and team performance?
• Was any team member absent, late, or did anyone leave early?

Marking criteria will be available on the course Canvas site from Week 1.

Presentations will be video recorded, which will enable later validation and verification of assessment if required (in accordance with point 7 in the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) policy).

Due Date: Team reflection PowerPoint Slides must be submitted by Saturday at 11:59 PM in Week 11 via Canvas.

Feedback Date: Week 12.

Assessment Task 4

OB Experiment Participation (Individual assessment): 5%

Participating in psychology experiments will help you better understand the application of organizational behavior theories and models. To participate, first register using your ANU email at SONA. Once registered, you will receive a SONA account and can choose and participate in at least 5 experiments to be eligible for the full 5% possible. Each experiment is worth 1%, and you must complete them by the end of Week 11.

 

These experiments offer an opportunity to reflect on the theories, models, and methods you've learned in the course.

Due Date: Saturday at 11:59 PM in Week 11 via the SONA website.

Feedback Date: After the final grade release.

Assessment Task 5

Final exam (Individual assessment): 20%

The final exam is scheduled for the Exam Week (the exam date and time will be confirmed by Week 12). This is a centrally invigilated exam. You must not use any notes, textbooks, or electronic devices for the duration of the exam. The exam will consist of 25 multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The final exam contributes 20 per cent of your total grade.

 

A makeup (deferred) examination will only be permitted in cases of genuine extenuating circumstances supported by appropriate evidence. If this applies, please contact the convener/lecturer-in-charge before (or soon after) a deferred examination application request is submitted.

 

Format: Centrally invigilated exam

Duration: 1 hour

Due Date: during the end of the semester final examination period

Feedback Date: After the final grade release.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (handwritten assignments, artworks, laboratory notes, etc.), hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of the completed tasks for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Requests for Assessment Adjustment (Assessment Extension and Extenuating Circumstances Application) should be submitted via ANUHub.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task details above. All assignments will be marked and where appropriate feedback will be provided either: in class, or in person by appointment with the course lecturer, or via the course Canvas site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assessment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students