Course coordinator
Dr Marissa Edwards
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
Introduction to organisational behaviour, developing understanding of employee personalities and attitudes, motivation and leadership, power, group dynamics and culture on employee attitudes and behaviour.
This introductory course is designed to introduce you to some of the core theories and concepts in the study of Organisational Behaviour. The course will cover historical theories and concepts as well as those most recent developments applicable to contemporary organisations. Seminars and tutorials will include case studies, role plays, videos, team-building activities, and small group discussion designed to facilitate collaboration and critical discussion. The assessment items in this course are designed to help you to develop a high level of communication and critical thinking skills, as well as experience working in a diverse team.
As an introduction to Organisational Behaviour, no prior knowledge is assumed. However, it is expected that you will read all required course materials as part of your engagement with the course, and also read selected materials thoughtfully and critically.
The study load expected for a #2 course at the University of Queensland is 8-10 hours per week on average throughout the full semester. This involves attendance at seminars and tutorials as well as independent study (e.g., completing weekly textbook chapter readings, working on assessment tasks, attending team meetings, etc.).
A substantial component of this course involves discussions in seminars and working with your workshop team in weekly tutorials, and tutorial activities are directly linked to assessment tasks. If you cannot commit to weekly attendance at seminars and tutorials, you should not undertake this course.
A large component of the course involves your ability and willingness to work as a member of a team. Indeed, many of the assessment tasks will involve teamwork, and in turn analysing how your team functioned throughout the semester. It is essential that you join a team in your tutorials early in the semester and attend all subsequent tutorials to engage with your team members and complete team activities on a weekly basis. If you do not join a team in the first three tutorials and do not have a valid reason for your absence (accompanied by relevant documentation e.g., a medical certificate), you will receive zero for the relevant assessment tasks.
Any goal-directed organisation expects professional behaviour from its managers and employees. This course is similar to a goal-directed organisation, in that you are participating in a large course that requires a great deal of logistical support and coordination. For the organisation to succeed and achieve the desired outcomes, your cooperation is essential. As course coordinators and staff, we are attempting to run this course professionally and provide for your learning enjoyment. In response, we are expecting a professional approach from students in regard to seminar and tutorial participation.
Contact Information
Please ensure that you use your official UQ student email address for all communication and include your name and student number in all emails.
We will endeavour to respond to all emails within two working days.
We expect that you will be polite and professional in all communication with course staff, including tutors and markers.
To contact course staff with administrative queries, please use the course email address: mgts1601@business.uq.edu.au
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MGTS7601
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Marissa Edwards
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full Name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
The aim of MGTS1601 is to introduce you to the field of Organisational Behaviour as a whole, and to highlight some of the key concepts, theories, and empirical findings relevant to organisations today, with a particular focus on effective teamwork. For many of you, this course may be different to any that you may have encountered to date, and you may need to accommodate some new ways of learning. The key is to develop a better understanding of human behaviour in organisational settings. To achieve this, it will be necessary for you to consciously experience some of the important concepts, rather than just sit back and try to absorb them passively. This will be accomplished through participation in workshops, activities and case studies in tutorials, and active involvement in seminars and online modules where possible. Participation in these aspects of the course is critical if you wish to benefit fully from this course.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate understanding of organisational behaviour as a field of study, including key theories, models, and concepts.
LO2.
Apply relevant organisational behaviour theories to solve contemporary work challenges and problems.
LO3.
Design and carry out an experientially-based group workshop exploring key organisational behaviour topics and problems relevant to managers today.
LO4.
Analyse personal strengths and weaknesses within the context of a team.
LO5.
Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of a team and implications for team outcomes and propose solutions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Individual and Team Profile Report | 20% |
11/04/2025 2:00 pm
|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Team Workshop
|
20% |
in tutorial Week 8, in tutorial Week 9, in tutorial Week 10, |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Team Evaluation Report | 30% |
16/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Individual and Team Profile Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
11/04/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
The purpose of this report is to gain knowledge about who you are and how you work in a team, and the composition of your workshop team and its implications. In order to do this, you will need to complete several surveys, discuss the results with your team members, and analyse your findings using evidence from the scholarly literature. You will also need to consider the roles and behaviours of others in your team. Please see Blackboard for more information about this task.
Word length: 1500 words (+/- 10%)
Please note that you MUST be a member of a workshop team in order to complete these assessment tasks. Preliminary allocation to workshop teams will take place in the first tutorial in Week 2 and teams will be finalised in Week 4. Students who do not attend tutorials in Week 2 or 3 and do not notify course staff by the end of Week 3 with an adequate reason for their absence with appropriate documentation will not be allocated to a team and will receive zero for these assessment tasks.
Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The assessment in this course has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. When completing assessment tasks, you should be aware of the following:
- You should ensure that you keep drafts of your written work to demonstrate your progress over time.
- You must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance, including any AI writing tools.
- A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- You must not use AI tools to substantially rewrite or rephrase your written work. This includes the use of AI translation tools and grammar tools. Extensive use of these tools may constitute Student Misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online via the Turnitin submission link at Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Team Workshop
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
in tutorial Week 8,
in tutorial Week 9,
in tutorial Week 10,
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Students join only one workshop team. Teams are marked out of 20.
Workshops will be conducted in tutorials. Workshops are for approximately 30 minutes on selected topics. Topics will be provided following the Week 2 tutorial and supporting materials will be made available at Blackboard.
Please note that you MUST be a member of a workshop team in order to complete these assessment tasks. Preliminary allocation to workshop teams will take place in the first tutorial in Week 2 and teams will be finalised in Week 4. Students who do not attend tutorials in Week 2 or 3 and do not notify course staff by the end of Week 3 with an adequate reason for their absence with appropriate documentation will not be allocated to a team and will receive zero for these assessment tasks.
Peer Assessment: Buddycheck will be used to evaluate team members' individual contribution to the assessment task. If team members indicate that the other members generally contributed equally, all team members will receive the same mark. If team members indicate that one or more team members contributed less than others, these students' marks will be adjusted to reflect their average peer-rated percentage contribution to the workshop.
Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The assessment in this course has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. When completing assessment tasks, you should be aware of the following:
- You should ensure that you keep drafts of your written work to demonstrate your progress over time.
- You must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance, including any AI writing tools.
- A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- You must not use AI tools to substantially rewrite or rephrase your written work. This includes the use of AI translation tools and grammar tools. Extensive use of these tools may constitute Student Misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Each team will present their workshop in their tutorial. Also, one team member must upload a copy of the PowerPoint slides, Task Allocation Sheet and Reference List to Blackboard on or before their workshop presentation date, on behalf of the whole team. This material must be submitted to Blackboard or the workshop cannot be marked.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
All workshops must be delivered in tutorials on the assigned day and time. If a team member cannot attend their workshop for a valid reason (e.g., illness), they must provide appropriate documentation to the Course Coordinator or Tutor (i.e., medical certificate) and they will be marked according to peer review of their contribution to the task.
Team Evaluation Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
16/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
During the semester you will work in a workshop team to develop an interactive workshop to deliver in your MGTS1601 tutorial. In this report, you are required to write an evaluative report about the effectiveness of your team, and analyse the factors that most affected your team's effectiveness. Please see Blackboard for more information about this task.
You must use at least six peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2010 and 2025 in your report otherwise your mark will be restricted to 14/30. Please see Blackboard for more information about this task.
Word length: 2000 words (+/- 10%)
Please note that you MUST be a member of a workshop team in order to complete these assessment tasks. Preliminary allocation to workshop teams will take place in the first tutorial in Week 2 and teams will be finalised in Week 4. Students who do not attend tutorials in Week 2 or 3 and do not notify course staff by the end of Week 3 with an adequate reason for their absence with appropriate documentation will not be allocated to a team and will receive zero for these assessment tasks.
Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The assessment in this course has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. When completing assessment tasks, you should be aware of the following:
- You should ensure that you keep drafts of your written work to demonstrate your progress over time.
- You must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance, including any AI writing tools.
- A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- You must not use AI tools to substantially rewrite or rephrase your written work. This includes the use of AI translation tools and grammar tools. Extensive use of these tools may constitute Student Misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online via the Turnitin submission link at Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
The final examination will consist of MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions). It will cover major concepts and theories in the course, and questions will be drawn from all course content, including textbook chapters, seminar slides and discussions, tutorial materials, and any other required activities/readings. More information will be provided in seminars and on the course Blackboard site.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Book |
Organisational behaviour
by Robbins; Stephen P.; Judge; Timothy A.; Hunt; James; Campbell; Nadine; Khan; Hamza - 2024 Edition: 10th edition Publisher: Pearson Australia ISBN: 9780655704119; 9780655713401; 9780655704133 |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Introduction to Organisational Behaviour (OB) In this seminar we will provide an overview of the course and discuss the importance of Organisational Behaviour (OB) today. Required reading Robbins et al. Chapter 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 |
Not Timetabled |
No Seminar (Cancelled) |
Tutorial |
Introduction and Preliminary Team Formation In this tutorial your tutor will introduce the tutorial program and help students form preliminary workshop teams. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Personality and Individual Differences In this seminar we will consider major theories of personality as well as the role of individual differences at work. Required reading Robbins et al. Chapters 2 and 4 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Team Formation Activities (Wednesday and Thursday classes only) In this tutorial your tutor will introduce the tutorial program and help students form preliminary workshop teams. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Assessment Task Discussion In this seminar we will discuss the major assessment tasks in this course. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Team-Building Activity and Team Roles Survey In this tutorial you will complete an experiential activity with your team members and share your Team Roles Survey results. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Attitudes at Work In this seminar we will consider the importance of understanding employee attitudes at work. Required reading Robbins et al. Chapter 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Assessment Discussion In this tutorial your tutor will provide key information and important tips to help you complete assessment tasks. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Emotions in Organisations In this seminar we will focus on the role of emotions in organisations today. Required reading Robbins et al. Chapter 5 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Tutor-Facilitated Workshop In this tutorial you will participate in a tutor-facilitated workshop and complete activities in your workshop team. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Perception and Individual Decision-Making In this seminar we will consider major theories of perception and different models of decision-making in organisations, as well as decision-making biases and errors. Required reading Robbins et al. Chapter 6 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Workshop Development Tutorial In this tutorial you will have the opportunity to work on your workshop in class and receive feedback from your tutor. Your tutor will check in with Teams 1 and 2 Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Business Ethics In this seminar we will discuss the importance of ethics and ethical decision-making in organisations today. Required readings will be provided at Blackboard. Good Friday Public Holiday - Friday 18 April 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Team Workshop Assessment This tutorial involves workshop assessment in class:
Your tutor will check in with Teams 3 and 4 Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Motivation at Work In this seminar we will consider the importance of motivation in contemporary organisations, as well as major models and theories of motivation today. Required reading Robbins et al. Chapter 7 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Team Workshop Assessment This tutorial involves workshop assessment in class:
Your tutor will check in with Teams 5 and 6 Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Managing Stress at Work In this seminar we will consider the importance of managing stress and preventing burnout in contemporary organisations, especially in the context of change. Required reading Robbins et al. Chapter 16 Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday 5 May 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Team Workshop Assessment This tutorial involves workshop assessment in class:
Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday 5 May 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Week 11 |
Seminar |
Organisational Culture In this seminar we will discuss the role of organisational culture in shaping employee attitudes and behaviours. Required reading Robbins et al. Chapter 15 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Team Evaluation Report Consultation In this tutorial you will have the opportunity to ask final questions about the Team Evaluation Report. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Groups and Teams (Rescheduled) In this seminar we will discuss the role of groups and teams in contemporary organisations. Required readings Robbins et al. Chapters 8 and 9 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Ethics at Work: Giving Voice to Values In this tutorial you will participate in experiential activities designed to help you learn to speak up about value conflicts at work. Required readings will be provided at Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Course Review In this seminar we will review the major concepts and theories in the course and provide information about the final examination. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
The Future of Work and Course Review In this tutorial you will discuss the major skills employers are seeking in the 21st century and beyond and learn how the workplace will change in future. Required readings will be provided at Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Additional learning activity information
P,lease note: If a tutorial is scheduled on a public holiday, classes may be rescheduled. Please see Blackboard for details.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.