21067 Managing People and Work
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level: Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject is designed to enable students to develop a critical appreciation of management practice. The aim of the subject is to help students improve their understanding of and ability to manage human systems, exercise leadership and work effectively with other people. Students are exposed to a variety of organisational behaviour and leadership perspectives through readings, discussions and video cases. The subject also provides a forum for students to learn and think introspectively about their own work experiences, personal values, leadership styles and career aspirations. Participating in experiential activities allows students to have direct experience applying team dynamic concepts in the context of their own teams and challenges.?
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 1. | Critically evaluate the major theories and models that have been developed to explain the complexities of individual and intra-group behaviour from perspectives of contemporary management |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply behavioural science approaches to solve the problems and facilitate people performance in organisations |
| 3. | Analyse the best practice of successful corporate bodies and identify the key factors in management of human performance at work |
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject contributes to the course by providing students with the knowledge and approaches necessary for understanding, formulating and exerting effective leadership and management in an organisation. Students learn about the management theories and practice which enable them to effectively manage dynamic relationships in the workplace. The subject identifies the key competencies to help students develop as a leader and equip them with the skills to enhance individual and group performance.
This subject contributes to developing the following graduate attribute(s):
- Professional and technical competence
This subject also contributes specifically to introduce the following Program Learning Objective(s):
- Identify, evaluate and analyse relevant information to creatively solve business problems (1.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject is presented in seminar format. Essential principles are presented and analysed and students are lead through practical application exercises.
Content (topics)
- The individual at work: personality, perception and identity
- Group dynamics and teams at work
- Engaging with the organisation: job satisfaction, motivation & performance
- Leadership in theory and practice
- Managing in an uncertain world: decision making, creativity & change
- Working with strangers: culture and diversity in the contemporary workplace
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Project on a Contemporary Issue (Group)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 3 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 2: Critical Reflection on Practice Essay (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 2 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% |
Assessment task 3: Personal Reflection (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 30% |
Minimum requirements
Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.
Required texts
The required textbook for this subject is:
Cole, K. 2018, Leadership and Management: Theory and Practice, 7th edn, Cengage Learning Australia, South Melbourne, VIC
ISBN 9780170403856
UTS Library call number: 658.302 COLK (ED.7)
In addition to the above text journal articles and other book chapters are also used in this subject. A full list of the weekly readings is available on Canvas.
References
During this subject students will be expected to develop competence in finding and interpreting good quality academic reference materials relating to particular topics. We will review the basic principles of how to do this during class. Below are examples of some recent academic journal articles relating to topics that we will cover during this subject:
- Caruth, D. L., Caruth, G. D. & Humphreys, J. H. 2009, ‘Towards an Experiential Model of Problem Initiated Decision Making’, Journal of Management Research. vol. no. 9 pp. 123-132,
- Gebert, D. & Voelpel, S. C. 2009, ‘ When and how diversity benefits teams: the importance of team members' need for cognition’, Academy of Management Journal, vol. 52 no. 3, pp. 581-598,
- Johnson, R. E., Chang, C.H. and Yang, L.Q. 2010, ‘Commitment and motivation at work: the relevance of employee identity and regulatory focus’, Academy of Management Review, vol. 35 no. 2, pp. 226-245.
- Michelson, G. & Mouly, V.S. (2004), ‘Do loose lips sink ships? The meaning, antecedents and consequences of rumour and gossip in organisations,’ Corporate Communications, vol. 9(3): 189-201.
- Shalley, C.E. & Gilson, L.L. (2004), ‘What leaders need to know: A review of social and contextual factors that can foster or hinder creativity’, The Leadership Quarterly, vol.15: 33–53.