ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ORGANISATIONAL THEORY: BEHAVIOUR, POWER AND POLITICS AT WORK
Code ULMS863
Coordinator Dr Y Liu
Work, Organisation and Management
Yihan.Liu@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 6

12

      6

6

30
Timetable (if known) 60 mins X 1 totaling 6
 
120 mins X 1 totaling 12
 
      60 mins X 1 totaling 6
60 mins X 1 totaling 6
 
 
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Individual assignment There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 2  -3500 words    100       

Aims

The module aims to enhance student understandings of organisation theory in order to facilitate them in relating such theory to practices in organisation and management.

The module aims to introduce students to advanced analysis of contemporary issues in organisation studies. The module will provide an overview of relevant theories and empirical practices, and students will be trained to evaluate the appropriateness of theories in diverse contexts.

The module aims to offer readings which are relevant, focused and manageable in length. However, while the majority of readings will be recommended, selected and provided for students, the module aims to encourage them to read widely, beyond the course texts and with an interdisciplinary focus.

The module aims to offer students opportunities through group work and discussion to develop their capacity to reflect upon, and develop insightful perspectives on organisations both internally, and within wider social contex ts. This is intended to help students develop their own analytical capabilities enhancing their capacity to shed light on and manage problem situations.

The module aims to facilitate students in developing their abilities to evaluate organisational decision making processes and to explore the relationships and tensions between production and well-being.

The aim is that having completed this module, students will be well positioned to discern the links among and between complex organisational problems and to relate theoretical perspectives to contemporary organisational practices.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of key theories and issues in organisation studies and management;

(LO2) Students will be able to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of different theories and perspectives on, and practices of, organising;

(LO3) Students will be able to critically analyse the links among and between complex organisational problems and to relate to theoretical perspectives to contemporary organisational practices;

(LO4) Students will be able to evaluate, synthesise, and analyse reliable information and knowledge from a diverse range of sources.

(S1) Adaptability. Working in groups to interpret complex organizational issues through reading about (in course materials) and discussing in class different theoretical viewpoints.

(S2) Problem solving skills. Examining and critiquing in assignment and group discussions how organisations solve problems, drawing upon course reading (including original as well as introductory materials) and case studies.

(S3) Communication skills. Working in groups to discuss different theoretical perspectives, requiring skills in being heard but being able to listen to others.

(S4) Lifelong learning skills. Developing abilities to read and think about organisational problems and theories which will extend beyond the module.

(S5) Teamwork. Working in groups to discuss and work through complex issues pertaining to organisational theory.

(S6) Ethical awareness. Considering in class notions of equal opportunities.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on campus.

1 hour online asynchronous learning per week x 6 weeks
1 hour face-to-face synchronous lecture per week x 6 weeks
2 hour face-to-face seminar every week x 6 weeks
1 hour face-to-face peer-to-peer learning every week (unscheduled) x 6 weeks
Self-directed learning x 120 hours


Syllabus

 

The key aspects of organisation theory and illustrative cases to be covered in the module include:

Understanding organisations and organising from various theoretical perspectives;

Stability and change in organisations and organisational environments;

Organisational culture and diversity, work-life balance;

The role of power and leadership;

Gender and equality in feminist studies;

Critical theories of organisation.

Reading lists:

Reading lists will be provided for each topic and students will be expected to undertake individual research into both academic literature and individual case studies, which will include exploiting library databases and resources. Students will be asked to undertake preparation prior to seminars and lectures. This could include familiarisation with course material and case studies.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.