1997 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

and organisational - context;
to develop the skills of managing people.
Content
The subject is designed so that the many facets of the
behaviour of people in organisations can be explored
without losing sight of the essential interdependence of
the sub parts. Within this framework will be included
topics such as
the concept of organisation design, and its implications
for structure, job design and the interface between
people, technology, and the
organisation;
the role of management, including varied leadership
styles and their likely consequences, the management of
effective work groups; - -
working with the communication process, managing
conflict and developing a positive self-image;
the impact of the local and international environment
on Australian business; comparisons with the
management of people in other countries and cultures
(especially Asian);
an introduction to the practical role of the personnel
function in organisations.
Recommended reading
Adler, N.J., International Dimensions of Organisational Behaviour.
2nd edn, Boston, Kent, 1991
Bedeian, A.G., Organisations, Theory and Analysis. 2nd edn,
Chicago, Dryden Press, 1984
French, W.L. et al., Understanding Human Behaviour in
Organisations. New York, Harper & Row, 1985
Kast, F.E. and Rosenzweig, J.E., Organisation and Management: A
System and Contingency Approach, 4th edn, New York, McGraw-
Hill, 1985
Mintzberg, H., Structure in Fives: Designing Effective
Organisations. Englewood Cliffs, Prentice Hall, 1983
Robbins, S.P. and Barnwell, N.S., Organisation Theory in
Australia. 2nd edn, Sydney, Prentice Hall, 1994
Schuler, R.S. et al., Human Resource Management in Australia. 2nd
edn, Sydney, Harper Educational, 1991
BH707 Strategic Change
12.5 credit points Duration - 4 hours per week over 1
semester Prerequisites - completion of the Graduate
Diploma in ~anagement sterns or equivalent Instruction:
- lectures/seminars/case studies/workshops Assessment:
individual assignment and seminar (60~ldj group assignment
a (40%)
0
.f. Objectives
The subject builds upon the knowledge and skills developed
in earlier subjects to develop ways of understanding the
factors to implement change (especially strategic) effectively
within an organisation. Raising awareness of the need to
manage change and conflict, the associated complexities and
ambiguities and the consequences of various processes of
managing them.
content
Topic covered in this subject include:
culture and ~r~anisational analysis; analysing organisational
situations,including the need for change and identifying barriers
to successful implementation
evaluating alternatives for bringing about desired change
and selecting the most effective implementation
approach
leadership, consulting skills and the role of the systems
manager as a change agent
group dynamic and group development
Textbooks
No single text covers the subject material
References
Judd and Kidder, Research Methods in Social Relations, Holt,
Rinehart Winston 6th edn, 1991
Bolman, L.G. and Deal, T.E. Refuming Organisations, Jossey-
Bass, 1991
Senge, P.M. The Fifth Discipline - The Art and Practice of the
Learning Organisation, Doubleday Currency, 1990
Schein, E. Organisation, Culture and Leadership, Jossey-Bass,
California, 1987
BH708
Processes of lnquiry and Research
Organisation Behaviour, Part 1
(Intercultural Understanding)
2 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: nil
Assessment: essay 50% and research project 50%
A subject in the Masters in Organisation Behaviour
Obiectives
To develop within participants an understanding of
their cultural identity and how this influences the way
they manage and research.
To research 'Australian-ness' as a cultural identity in
management using a team based 'inter-view'.
Content
Drawn from studies in psychology, sociology and social
anthropology it provides a starting point for the
conceptualism of cultural identity. Concepts include gender,
authority, religion, and race.
Recommended reading
Sue, D.W., Counseling the Culturally Dt;fferent. 2nd edn, New
York, Wiley, 1990
BH709 Processes of lnquiry and Research in
Organisation Behaviour, Part 2 (Senior
Management Responsibilities)
2 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: nil
Assessment: critique of two research based papers 30%,
development of questionnaire 50% and test and evaluation of
questionnaire 20%
A subject in the Masters in Organisation Behaviour
Ob jective
To inquire into the responsibilities of senior management
with regard to the strategic direction of their organisation
using a personal questionnaire designed by the student.
Content
The conceptualisation of corporate policy and strategic
planning and the development of a testable questionnaire
instrument to research these activities with senior managers.