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Behaviour in Organisations - MAN00015I

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The module is designed to build on the concepts introduced in Behaviour in Organisations in Year 1. As areas of knowledge are developed, a more critical appreciation of the topics is introduced and related to other areas of study across the programme.

Aims for 24/25 (cohort has studied History of Management): Behaviour in organisations is the study of how people manage and organise in work contexts. This course provides a critical introduction to leading theorists, theories and studies on human behaviour as applied to working environments. It is designed to encourage critical engagement with concepts such as: organisational structure, group dynamics, team work and organisational culture, personality, motivation and organisational learning, leadership and organisational change, emotional and aesthetic labour. It draws on knowledge from psychology, sociology, economics and organisation theory.

Module learning outcomes

  • Show an awareness of the socially and politically situated nature of management

  • Be able to apply the theoretical content of the module to the behaviour of firms and the experience of being a manager

  • Understand the theoretical assumptions underpinning management knowledge and practice

  • Demonstrate their understanding of fundamental social science concepts with respect to management theory and practice

  • Be able to critique management theory and practice from a number of different theoretical perspectives

Module content

Indicative topics:

Theories of motivation

Organisational Structure and Space

Power, Control, resistance

Group and individual identities at work

Organisational Culture

Organisational learning and communication,

Leadership and Organisational Change,

Occupational features; e.g. emotional and aesthetic labour.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Watson, T. (2006) Sociology, Work & Industry, London: Routledge


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.