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Professor Rebecca Mitchell

Organisations have changed and now, more than ever, personnel management is crucial to organisational success. In this course you’ll explore a range of concepts, theories and methodologies that will help you navigate and optimise your work environment. Via structured learning activities (video lectures, quizzes, discussion prompts and written assessments) you will be exposed to the latest best-practice leadership strategies to enable your employees to achieve more at work. You’ll examine case studies on advanced leadership strategies and be challenged to consider how these might apply to your own workplace. And you’ll discover that your ability to manage and lead people in a flatter, more team-driven context is now the key to organisational success. As the world continues to undergo dynamic change, this course will prepare you to be the one to lead your team and your organisation into the dynamic work environments of tomorrow.

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What's inside

Syllabus

People in Organisations
We often think of people at work in terms of their expertise, their experience or their jobs, but to lead effectively, you have to understand different personalities, values, and attitudes. These are the attributes that may not be included in a job application but can have a substantial impact on the way people work, communicate and respond to leaders. In this course, industry experts will provide insight on how understanding individual differences has helped them to create a more productive and happier workplace. Ultimately, you will take a closer look at yourself as a leader and how you can make better decisions to optimise your team. As you move through this week, you will be asked to complete some quizzes that are designed to help you understand different concepts. Be prepared to think openly and answer honestly – this is an exciting journey into the psychology of people at work!
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines people at work in terms of their personalities, values, and attitudes
Explores diversity and inclusion in organisations
Investigates motivation in organisations
Teaches about effective conflict and emotion management
Provides insights into building high performing teams
Enhances understanding of cross-cultural and global leadership

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Reviews summary

Practical introduction to organisational behaviour

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and relevant introduction to organisational behaviour, particularly for those in leadership or HR roles. Many found the content, covering topics like motivation, diversity, and teams, immediately applicable to their workplace challenges. The course is widely described as providing a solid foundation in OB principles, with concepts explained clearly through engaging video lectures and reinforced by assignments like quizzes. While the course is well-structured and covers a wide range of topics, some students with prior experience noted it might feel somewhat basic and lack depth on complex issues. Despite this, the overwhelming sentiment is positive, highlighting its value for understanding and leading people effectively.
Modules on motivation, diversity, and teams were useful.
"The modules on motivation and teams were particularly useful for my current role."
"Found the diversity and inclusion week very insightful and timely."
"The cross-cultural leadership section provided a valuable global perspective."
Theories explained clearly, content is engaging.
"The video lectures were engaging and easy to follow, keeping my attention."
"Concepts were explained clearly, even the more complex theories."
"Quizzes helped reinforce the learning effectively after each module."
"I appreciated how the weeks were structured, building upon previous topics."
"The quality of the video production and explanation is top-notch."
Provides an excellent introduction to core OB concepts.
"Provided a great overview of organisational behaviour fundamentals."
"Good starting point for anyone new to leadership or managing people."
"Lays a strong foundation in the key principles of OB."
"A great course to get acquainted with the basics of human behaviour in organizations."
Content is highly relevant and applicable to work.
"I could apply the concepts learned immediately to my team dynamics and workplace issues."
"Found the insights incredibly useful for navigating complex situations at work."
"This course gave me practical tools and strategies for managing people effectively."
"Really helped me understand the 'why' behind common workplace challenges and how to address them."
"The course material is very relevant to real-world HR and management challenges I face."
Can be basic if you have prior OB knowledge.
"If you have a background in OB or management, this might feel a bit introductory."
"Wishing for more depth on some of the topics, felt a bit superficial in places."
"Good for beginners, but not much new information for experienced practitioners."
"Pacing was good overall, but some sections could have gone into more detail."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Organisational behaviour: Know your people with these activities:
Review course notes and materials
Refresh your memory on the key concepts covered in the course by reviewing your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Show steps
  • Gather your course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Set aside time in your schedule to review your materials.
  • Take notes on any important concepts or information that you find.
Participate in discussion forums
Deepen your understanding of the course material by engaging in discussions with your classmates and the instructor.
Show steps
  • Read the discussion prompts and other students' posts.
  • Formulate your own responses and share your thoughts.
  • Ask questions and respond to others' questions.
Create a mind map of the course material
Strengthen your understanding of the course material by creating a visual representation of the key concepts and their relationships.
Show steps
  • Identify the main topics and subtopics covered in the course.
  • Create a central node for the main topic in your mind map.
  • Connect subtopics to the main topic and to each other.
  • Use different colors, shapes, and symbols to represent different aspects of the course material.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read "Leading Change" by John Kotter
Gain insights into the principles and strategies for leading organizational change effectively.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of "Leading Change" by John Kotter.
  • Allocate time in your schedule to read the book.
  • Take notes on the key concepts and strategies discussed in the book.
Complete the online simulations and case studies
Apply your knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios and receive feedback on your decision-making.
Browse courses on Simulations
Show steps
  • Access the online simulations and case studies provided in the course.
  • Complete the simulations and case studies by making decisions and taking actions.
  • Analyze the results of your decisions and reflect on your performance.
Volunteer in a leadership role at a local organization
Gain hands-on experience in applying leadership principles and developing your skills in a practical setting.
Browse courses on Leadership Development
Show steps
  • Identify local organizations that align with your interests.
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities that involve leadership responsibilities.
  • Commit to a regular volunteer schedule and actively participate in leadership activities.
Mentor a junior employee or student in the field of leadership
Share your knowledge and experience to guide and support the growth of others, while reinforcing your own understanding of leadership principles.
Browse courses on Leadership Development
Show steps
  • Identify a junior employee or student who would benefit from your mentorship.
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule and create a structured mentorship plan.
  • Provide guidance, support, and feedback to your mentee.
Seek out a mentor who can provide guidance and support in your leadership development
Gain valuable insights and guidance from experienced leaders who can help you accelerate your growth and development.
Browse courses on Leadership Development
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors who have the expertise and experience you seek.
  • Reach out to your potential mentors and request a meeting.
  • Establish a relationship with your mentor and regularly seek their advice and support.

Career center

Learners who complete Organisational behaviour: Know your people will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cross-Cultural Consultant
Cross-Cultural Consultants help organizations to develop and implement strategies for working effectively in cross-cultural environments. They work with organizations to identify and address cultural differences that may impact business operations, and they develop training programs and other initiatives to help employees understand and adapt to different cultures. This course may be useful for Cross-Cultural Consultants because it provides a deep understanding of organizational behavior and cross-cultural management, which are essential for helping organizations to succeed in a globalized world.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. They work with employees at all levels to create a more inclusive workplace and to promote the value of diversity. This course may be useful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers because it provides a deep understanding of organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence diversity and inclusion.
Organizational Psychologist
Organizational Psychologists apply psychological principles to organizations to improve employee productivity and satisfaction. They work with organizations to identify and address organizational problems, and they develop and implement interventions to improve organizational effectiveness. This course may be useful for Organizational Psychologists because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence employee behavior and organizational performance.
Employee Relations Manager
Employee Relations Managers are responsible for managing employee relations and resolving employee disputes. They work with employees and managers to identify and address issues that may affect employee morale and productivity. This course may be useful for Employee Relations Managers because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence employee relations.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Managers are responsible for developing and delivering training programs for employees at all levels. They work with subject matter experts to identify training needs, and they design and deliver training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the organization. This course may be useful for Training and Development Managers because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the learning needs of employees.
Leadership Development Consultant
Leadership Development Consultants help organizations to develop and implement leadership development programs. They work with organizations to identify and address leadership needs, and they develop and deliver training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the organization. This course may be useful for Leadership Development Consultants because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior and leadership development, which are essential for helping organizations to develop effective leaders.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and Benefits Managers are responsible for designing and administering compensation and benefits programs for employees. They work with employees to identify their needs and develop compensation and benefits packages that are competitive and motivating. This course may be useful for Compensation and Benefits Managers because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence employee motivation.
Organizational Development Manager
Organizational Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve an organization's performance. They work with employees at all levels to identify and address areas for improvement, and they develop and implement training programs and other initiatives to help employees reach their full potential. This course may be useful for Organizational Development Managers because it provides a deep understanding of organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence employee performance.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help organizations to improve their performance by providing advice and guidance on a variety of management issues. They work with organizations to identify and address problems, and they develop and implement solutions to improve organizational effectiveness. This course may be useful for Management Consultants because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence organizational performance.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee all aspects of human resources for a company or organization. They are responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees, as well as managing employee benefits and compensation. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the needs of employees and creating a positive work environment.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations to improve their performance by analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement. They work with organizations to identify and address problems, and they develop and implement solutions to improve organizational effectiveness. This course may be useful for Business Analysts because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence organizational performance.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with teams of people to ensure that the organization's products and services are produced and delivered to customers in a timely and efficient manner. This course may be useful for Operations Managers because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence employee productivity.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies to sell an organization's products and services. They work with teams of people to create sales campaigns, and they are responsible for ensuring that sales campaigns are effective in reaching and persuading target audiences. This course may be useful for Sales Managers because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence employee motivation and consumer behavior.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote an organization's products and services. They work with teams of people to create marketing campaigns, and they are responsible for ensuring that marketing campaigns are effective in reaching and persuading target audiences. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence consumer behavior.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with teams of people to achieve project goals, and they are responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful for Project Managers because it provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, which is essential for understanding the factors that influence team performance.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Organisational behaviour: Know your people.
This classic textbook has been cited over 10,000 times and is widely used in undergraduate and graduate courses around the globe. It's a well-rounded introduction to organizational behavior that would provide useful background knowledge for this course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the major theories of motivation, with a particular focus on self-determination theory. It would be helpful for students who want to learn more about the psychological factors that influence motivation in the workplace.
Provides a practical guide to managing conflict and negotiation in the workplace. It would be helpful for students who want to learn how to resolve conflicts effectively and build productive relationships with others.
Provides a practical guide to understanding and navigating cultural differences in the workplace. It would be helpful for students who want to learn how to build relationships and communicate effectively with people from different cultures.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research on leadership. It would be helpful for students who want to learn how to become more effective leaders.
Provides a compelling argument for the benefits of diversity in the workplace. It would be helpful for students who want to learn how to create and manage diverse teams.
Provides a unique perspective on leadership by focusing on the role of followers. It would be helpful for students who want to learn how to be more effective followers and contribute to the success of their organizations.

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