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 is informed by current research from Management, Organizational Behaviour, and other related academic disciplines. In additional to classic theories and research, students have the opportunity to be exposed to contemporary and cutting edge research on important management topics. I believe this will help students develop a more thorough and sophisticated understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with behaviour in organizational context. The lectures will be available on the Canvas course site.

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)

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 10.

The examination will be administered in person and is a close-book exam (no materials permitted).

Required Resources

Robbins, P. S., Judge, T. A., Millett, B., & Boyle, M. 2020. Organisational Behaviour (9th Ed.). Pearson Australia.

The textbook is available as a hard copy from the bookstore or as an e-book from the publisher or ANU Library.

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

Recommended Resources

Journals:

• Academy of Management Journal
• Academy of Management Review
• Administrative Science Quarterly
• Harvard Business Review
• Human Resource Management
• Journal of Applied Psychology
• Journal of Management
• Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology
• Journal of Organizational Behaviour
• Journal of Vocational Behaviour
• Management and Organisation Review
• Organizational Behavior & Human Decision Processes
• Organization Science
• Personnel Psychology

Note: most of these journals are available in full text through the ANU Library website .

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

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI use is rapidly growing in all sectors, particularly the use of Large Language Models, of which there are many proprietary brands. In this course, students may choose to use or not use AI tools. In any case where AI tools are used, the student must do so in a way consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI, as well as accurately cite and reference what tools were used, and advise in an appendix how they used the tool. Guidance on how to do this appropriately is provided in the assessment requirements on the course Canvas page, and the ANU provides further broad guidance in the ANU Gen AI LibGuide. As part of handling a potential breach of academic integrity, students are reminded that they may be requested to meet with the Convenor to discuss any assessment submission, including responding to questions on the content of submissions and their understanding of the course concepts assessed by the submission.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: Introduction to Organisational Behaviour	Reading: Check course site
2	Week 2: Workforce Diversity	Reading: Check course site
3	Week 3: Job Satisfaction & Other Work Attitudes	Reading: Check course site
4	Week 4: Emotion at Work	Reading: Check course siteAssessment Task 1: Due Friday 11:59 pm
5	Week 5: Personality & Values at Work	Reading: Check course site
6	Week 6: Perception & Decision Making	Reading: Check course site
7	Week 7: Groups and Teams	Reading: Check course site
8	Week 8: Work Motivation I	Reading: Check course site
9	Week 9: Work Motivation II	Reading: Check course site
10	Week 10: Leadership	Reading: Check course siteAssessment Task 2: Due Friday 11:59 pm
11	Week 11: Power & Politics	Reading: Check course site
12	Week 12: Final Exam Review	No readings for this week; time for exam preparation
13	End of Semester Examination Period	Assessment Task 3: Due in the examination period

Tutorial Registration

No tutorial for this course. Weekly seminar-style classes.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
AT1: Problem Identification (Individual - 20%)	20 %	20/03/2026	30/03/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
AT2: Problem Solution (Individual - 50%)	50 %	15/05/2026	29/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
AT3: Final Exam (Closed book, centrally organised and invigilated - Individual - 30%)	30 %	*	02/07/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,

* 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 the Canvas course site.

In that public holidays fall on Lecture days, a pre-recorded lecture will be loaded to the Canvas course site 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/. Please refer to the course site for more information to be provided in Week 10.

Assessment Task 1

AT1: Problem Identification (Individual - 20%)

Instructions: The assignment in the course is to identify, diagnose and propose a solution for a workplace problem. The assignment has 2 components (Assessment Task 1 & Assessment Task 2), each of which will be assessed.

Assessment Task 1: (20%; Due Friday 11:59 pm Week 4): Speak to a manager in any workplace and ask about a problem they face in their role as a manager. Make sure to obtain evidence of the problem (how does the manager know this is a problem). Submit a written document (upload via Canvas; Max 500 words) describing the problem, the overall context, evidence for the problem and which organisational behaviour topic the problem relates to.

Marking criteria: Marking criteria will be provided in Week 1.

Purpose: This assessment is intended to develop your research and analytical skills on a topic of high relevance to organisational behaviour. This assignment is

intended to contribute to all learning outcomes, LO1-8.

Submission Details: Assignments are to be word-processed. The use of strict, professional expression is expected.

For further information about academic referencing, please visit:

https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/academic-integrity/referencing

Please submit the assignment online through Canvas.

Word limits: Note the word limit on each Step of the assignment (listed above). Any portion in excess of the word limit will not be read and marked.

Marking criteria: Details on marking criteria, including a rubric, will be available on the course site in Week 1.

Use of generative AI: If you use AI to assist with this assignment, submit work product along with the final assignment and explain how the gen AI was used and adapted. More instructions will be provided in class & on Canvas site.

Feedback: By 30th March 2026

Assessment Task 2

AT2: Problem Solution (Individual - 50%)

Assessment Task 2: (50%; Due Friday 11:59 pm Week 10): Provide a literature review relevant to the problem you have identified in Assessment Task 1 and propose a solution for the problem. The assignment will be assessed on the relevance of the literature review to the problem you identified in Assessment Task 1, the thoroughness of the literature review and the use of insights from the literature to propose a solution to the problem. Submit a written document (upload via Canvas; Max 1500 words).

Marking criteria: Marking criteria will be provided in Week 1.

Purpose: This assessment is intended to develop your research and analytical skills on a topic of high relevance to organisational behaviour. This assignment is

intended to contribute to all learning outcomes, LO1-8.

Submission Details: Assignments are to be word-processed. The use of strict, professional expression is expected.

For further information about academic referencing, please visit:

https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/academic-integrity/referencing

Please submit the assignment online through Canvas.

Word limits: Note the word limit on each Step of the assignment (listed above). Any portion in excess of the word limit will not be read and marked.

Marking criteria: Details on marking criteria, including a rubric, will be available on the course site in Week 1.

Use of generative AI: If you use AI to assist with this assignment, submit work product along with the final assignment and explain how the gen AI was used and adapted. More instructions will be provided in class & on Canvas site.

Feedback: within two weeks of submission

Assessment Task 3

AT3: Final Exam (Closed book, centrally organised and invigilated - Individual - 30%)

Mark value: 30%

Purpose: Assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8

A final examination comprising short-answer questions will be conducted during the formal final examination period. The examination will be designed to assess the students' understanding of the Course material. This will be a closed-book exam with no materials permitted.

Instructions:

The examination will be administered in person during the examination period. Students are responsible for ascertaining and confirming arrangements for the exam.

It will be conducted during the end-of-semester examination period on a date and time to be announced.

Assessment type: Individual

Time limit: 10 minutes of reading time + 120 minutes of writing time (to be confirmed)

Date: The details of the final examination will be communicated to students. Specific details of the exam date will be available closer to the commencement of the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/. Please refer to the course site for more information to be provided in Week 10.

Return of assessment: After the release of results at the end of Semester 1, 2026.

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 (hand written assignments, art works, 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 tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Refer to the details for each assessment item. Policy regarding late submission (where applicable) is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an approved 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.

All requests for Assessment Adjustment (including Requests for Extension and for Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances) should be submitted via ANUHub.

Referencing 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 Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

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 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