Overview
Organisational behaviour is the study of human behaviour at work. The complexity of human behaviour means that this inter-disciplinary field of study draws upon the literature from psychology, sociology, anthropology and political science. In this unit you will examine theories and the research base from the social sciences that inform the way in which individual level factors (e.g. personality, attitudes, emotion and motivation), team level factors (e.g. leadership and group dynamics) and organisational factors (e.g. structure and culture) combine to explain behaviour. You will learn about the role of workplace behaviour and its critical role in organisational outcomes such as productivity, innovation and absenteeism.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator Input
Improving feedback to students
For improving feedback satisfaction of students, following strategies are recommended: - A much detailed tailored feedback to each student’s performance, focusing on their specific strengths and areas for improvement. - In addition to individual feedback, a consolidated feedback mail through CQU success to provide the examples of demonstrating good practices of linkage of conceptual underpinnings and reflective learning. - A devoted feedback session of 15-to 20 minutes in a workshop, immediately after release of results.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator Input
Monitor student response to third assessment based upon AI.
The final assessment submission needs to be monitored closely, so as to see how students attempt this assessemnt (as it contains element of ChatGPT). Based upon the observations, the final assessment might be need to changed or made more robust for next offering.
- Evaluate a number of theories that explain human behaviour
- Critically appraise the inter-relationship between individual, team and organisational systems
- Apply the study of organisational behaviour to work practices and arrangements in organisations.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||
| 3 - Essay - 50% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
Organisational Behaviour
Edition: 10th (2024)
Authors: Robbins , Judge , Edwards et al
Pearson
ISBN: ISBN-13:9780655713401
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
No referencing style set.
p.verma3@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Welcome to Organisational Behaviour
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit introduction/Teaching delivery model/Student responsibilities
Module/Topic
What is organisational behaviour?
Chapter
Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 1 to be completed on 23rd March 2025
Module/Topic
Diversity in organisations
Chapter
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 2 to be completed on 30th March 2025.
Module/Topic
Attitudes and job satisfaction/Personality and values
Chapter
Chapter 3 & 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 3 to be completed on 6th April, 2025.
Module/Topic
Emotions and moods
Chapter
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Perceptions and individual decision making/Motivation
Chapter
Chapter 6 & 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Foundations of group behaviour
Chapter
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Communication
Chapter
Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Leadership
Chapter
Chapter 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Power and politics
Chapter
Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Conflict and negotiations
Chapter
Chapter 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Subject review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Assessment 3 submission
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
This assessment comprises of three online quizzes. Only the best two (2) scores will be used to determine your overall
result for the online quizzes. Each quiz is based on a chapter from the textbook. The quizzes can be accessed from the “Assessment" Tab at the top of the unit Moodle site. Each quiz comprises 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in one sitting of 20
minutes. Once a quiz closes, it cannot be reopened for any reason. As per CQUniversity policy, there are no alternatives or
extensions for quizzes.
Quiz Content Quiz Closure
1. Chapter 1 Sunday 23 March 2025, 11.45 p.m. AEST
2 Chapter 2 Sunday 30 March, 11.45 p.m. AEST
3 Chapter 3 Sunday 06 April 2025, 11.45 p.m. AEST
3
Weekly
No Assessment Criteria
- Evaluate a number of theories that explain human behaviour
- Critically appraise the inter-relationship between individual, team and organisational systems
- Apply the study of organisational behaviour to work practices and arrangements in organisations.
2 Written Assessment
This task involves two steps.
Step one: Students are required to complete one of the two self-evaluation tools (personality tests)
Step two: Students are required to write an essay of 1800 words (+/- 10%) reflecting on your scores for the chosen tool and its implications to
(a) you (as a current/future employee or CQU student),
(b) your team (work team, study team, or sports team), and
(c) your organisation (current/future workplace or CQU).
Completed self-evaluation tool should be attached to your essay as an appendix.
The students are expected to read and cite peer-reviewed journal articles to support your discussion in this essay. You should cite a minimum of six (6) scholarly references including the prescribed textbook.
Note: Carefully read the Assessment Guide and Marking Rubric before commencing your essay.
Assessment Criteria
An essay is more than a 'descriptive' response to the question - a good essay argues a case; it demonstrates that you have critically thought about the question and recognises there are different views on the topic.
Analysis (25%): The essay demonstrates a detailed understanding and critical analysis of the topic. It presents a clearly integrated and well‑developed argument throughout to address all parts of the assessment task.
Application of literature/theory (25%): The essay demonstrates the application of the relevant concepts,frameworks, and theories in relation to your self-evaluation scores.
Research (20%): The essay demonstrates extensive research and understanding of the topic. The essay should have a minimum of six (6) scholarly references, which must include the prescribed textbook, plus five (5) relevant academic peer-reviewed journals. The research must be used in an integrated manner throughout the essay to support your arguments.
Presentation (20%): The essay is appropriately structured with no headings, has relevant information order and flow, paragraphs are used effectively, and includes a well-formulated introduction and conclusion.
Referencing (5%): The references list and the in-text referencing complies with the exact detail of the CQU APA 7 Referencing Guide. The references are appropriate and sufficient throughout the essay.
Communication (5%): The essay uses clear and concise communication, appropriate language, grammar, spelling (Australian English), and punctuation.
Note: Late penalties will be applied as per CQU Policy at the rate of 5% per each day of delay.
Referencing Style
American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
NOTE: This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS)(Provided in the folder). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity."
This assessment aligns with Level 2 (AI-Assisted idea generation and structuring) of the AI Assessment Scale, which enables students to use AI in the assessment for brainstorming, creating structures, and generating ideas for improving work. No AI content is allowed in the final submission
Week 10 Monday (19 May 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Monday (2 June 2025)
No Assessment Criteria
- Evaluate a number of theories that explain human behaviour
- Critically appraise the inter-relationship between individual, team and organisational systems
- Apply the study of organisational behaviour to work practices and arrangements in organisations.
3 Essay
Assignment Brief
For this assignment, you will generate and refine hypothetical workplace scenarios that illustrate key motivation theories in action. This assessment encourages creative application of theoretical knowledge while ensuring ethical Generative AI use. You CAN utilize any Generative AI tool (such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT. Pi.ai) to generate realistic scenarios based on the principles and characteristics of the selected theory.
Objective
The objective of this assignment is to deepen your understanding of motivation theories by applying them to practical situations. By creating hypothetical scenarios, you will demonstrate your ability to identify and explain key dimensions of the chosen theory in a contextually relevant manner.
Assignment Details:
1. Scenario Development with AI Assistance
· You must choose one of the following theories for this assessment:
- Herzberg’s Theory
- Self-determination Theory
· Use GenAI to generate a hypothetical workplace scenario that illustrates your chosen theory in action
· Modify, refine, paraphrase and critically assess AI-generated content to ensure originality and alignment with real-world applications.
Examples:
· If using Herzberg’s Theory, create a scenario about an IT company where employees are dissatisfied despite good salaries. Explore how changes in job design improve motivation.
· If using Self-determination theory, design a scenario where a startup fosters employee autonomy and competence, leading to higher engagement.
2. Theory Application & Critical Analysis
· Explain how your scenario aligns with your chosen motivation theory.
· Critically analyze how the theory is effective in the hypothetical scenario.
3. Ethical AI Use & Reflection
· Provide a 200-word reflection explaining how GenAI was used ethically.
4. Integration of Scholarly Literature
· Support your discussion with at least six scholarly journal articles (not AI-generated).
· Proper academic referencing (APA Style Referencing ).
5. Presentation & Creativity
*A special session on effectively completing this assessment and developing hypothetical scenarios will be conducted through both online (recorded) and face-to-face workshops.
Note: This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) (Provided in the folder on Moodle). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
This assessment aligns with Level 4 (AI Task Completion, Human Evaluation) of the AI Assessment Scale, which enables students for following :
AI is used to complete certain elements of the task, with students providing discussion or commentary on the AI-generated content. This level requires critical engagement with AI generated content and evaluating its output. You will use AI to complete specified tasks in your assessment.
Assessment criteria
Scenario Development with AI Assistance (30%) : The AI-generated scenario is highly realistic, well-structured, and clearly aligned with the chosen motivation theory. Extensive modifications and refinements enhance originality and real-world applicability.
Theory Application & Critical Analysis (30%):The motivation theory is applied in depth, demonstrating a strong understanding. The analysis is critical, insightful, and well-supported by examples.
Ethical AI Use & Reflection(20%): Clear explanation of how AI was used ethically, demonstrating critical awareness of AI limitations. Provides thoughtful reflection on AI’s role in learning and assessment.
Integration of Scholarly Literature(10%):Uses at least 6 high-quality scholarly sources. Sources are well-integrated, relevant, and support critical arguments effectively. APA referencing is flawless.
Presentation & Creativity(10%):The essay is well-structured, engaging, and highly creative. Writing is clear, professional, and flows smoothly. Creative elements enhance understanding
Review/Exam Week Monday (9 June 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
No Assessment Criteria
- Evaluate a number of theories that explain human behaviour
- Critically appraise the inter-relationship between individual, team and organisational systems
- Apply the study of organisational behaviour to work practices and arrangements in organisations.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
