Learning outcomes
a) Explain the main contemporary theories and concepts in organisational behaviour
b) Explain the different types of human behaviour in the workplace and the importance of an evidence based approach to management and organisational behaviour
c) Explain how an evidence-based approach can be applied to interpret management and organisational behaviour
d) Practise personal and interpersonal skills and knowledge to manage oneself and others effectively in an organisational context
e) Discuss the importance of team work and how to develop effective teams
f) Identify organisational problems and apply OB theories to resolve themAssessment Brief This is a group assessment, to be completed by 4 people.
Analyse the nominated Case Study through the organisational behaviour lens and complete the questions listed below.
Assessment Description:
Part A Case Analysis
Understanding Resistance to Change in Qantas
"On becoming CEO of Qantas in 2008, Alan Joyce moved to restructure and improve the efficiency of its operations in order to ensure its survival in face of severe competition, both domestically and internationally. This involved employee layoffs, early retirement of aircraft and cuts to unprofitable routes. Although change occurred at Qantas, it was at a price. Joyce faced ongoing criticism from employee unions, loyal customers and shareholders concerning a number of strategic blunders during his time in office." Organisational Behaviour, McShane et al., 5e, p487.
What you are to do:
You are members of an external management consultancy team engaged by Alan Joyce to make recommendations to him on the following four aspects of Qantas operations:
1. Review the organization's sales, profit and share price performance since Joyce's appointment in 2008.
2. Use Lewin's force field analysis model to explain the resistance to change at Qantas, as faced by Alan Joyce.
3. Analyse Qantas' organisational culture and state what aspects of the culture need changing.
4. What leadership style is used by Alan Joyce and how should he adopt it to facilitate these changes?
Prepare a "Long Report" to be presented to Alan Joyce addressing these issues and making your recommendations. Present the findings of your report in a group oral presentation.
Write the results of your analysis in a 1200 word report. Make sure you support your conclusion with evidence from the case and additional external research. It is essential to avoid general, unsupported statements. Reference all material used - both in-text and at the end of the report.
References must follow the Harvard referencing style. Refer to the Academic Learning Skills handout on Report writing. Please see Academic Learning Skills staff for assistance with this, or any assessment.
A statement of % contribution of each group member must be included on the Title Page.
Submit your final report for grading, through Moodle. The report MUST be submitted electronically in Microsoft Office format. Please be aware that any assessments submitted in other formats will be considered LATE and will lose marks until it is presented in Microsoft Office format.
Part B - Class presentation
Present a summary of your analysis in class in Week 11, using a maximum of 8 PowerPoint slides. Each group member is to present one of the 4 questions. Total time allocation: 12 minutes.