Computer Science (COMP) 506

Overview

This course introduces students to the field of organizational behaviour (OB) and explores the connections between organizational behavior and information technology.

OB is the study of the individual, group and organizational influences on behaviour in work settings (McShane and Steen, 2009). OB topics include personality, motivation, creating and maintaining strong work teams, managing organizational change, and understanding how to structure organizations.

For those working in the field of Information Technology, organizational behaviour is a critical topic. It adds to the understanding of IT issues such as technology design, implementation and adoption. It provides theory to better understand IT organizations. Professionals implementing information systems and technology in organizations need to understand how these systems impact on organizational behaviour. These connections and others are explored in this course.

Course Objectives

The course objectives are:

• to explore the foundations of organizational behaviour
• to explore the connections of organizational behaviour and information technology
• to provide learners with the theoretical background and research skills to independently explore additional connections between organizational behavior and information technology

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• explain the foundational concepts of organizational behaviour
• apply organizational behaviour theory to analyze business problems
• apply organizational behaviour theory to analyze information technology concepts
• explain the influence of information technology on organizational behaviour
• explain how information technology can be used to resolve organizational behaviour issues

Outline

• Unit 1 Introduction to the Field of Organizational Behaviour
• Unit 2 Individual Behaviour, Personality and Values
• Unit 3 Perception and Learning in Organizations
• Unit 4 Workplace Emotions, Attitudes and Stress
• Unit 5 Employee Motivation and Applied Performance Practices
• Unit 6 Decision Making and Creativity
• Unit 7 Team Dynamics and Communication
• Unit 8 Power and Conflict
• Unit 9 Leadership
• Unit 10 Organizational Structure
• Unit 11 Organizational Culture
• Unit 12 Organizational Change

Evaluation

In order to receive credit for COMP 506, you must achieve a cumulative course grade of "B-" (70 percent) or better, and must achieve an average grade of at least 60 percent on the assignments. Your cumulative course grade will be based on the following assessment.