Managerial Behaviour

Overview

This module on managerial behaviour is concerned with the holistic perspective of management in organisational contexts. It aims to reflect on management’s basic concepts and key activities as well as emerging issues relating to the discipline. It views the organisation as socio-technical entity and explores organisational dynamics and available managerial responses.

Existing conceptual and empirical contributions unequivocally suggest that proficient management is closely related to the performance of organisations. As managers play a pivotal role in strategic, operational and transformative activities, it is commonly acknowledged that an organisation that has coherent managerial direction and effective managerial practices is likely to be more successful.

The module will explore these subjects through a number of lenses using a variety of teaching modes, including traditional lectures, group discussion and case studies.

Participants will deal with issues of managerial behaviour from the position of organisational decision-makers. Students are expected to analyse and address managerial problems by applying the knowledge introduced in the lectures. The goal is to equip students with the conceptual knowledge, practical skillset, effective habits and confident mindset to thrive in a new era of managerial behaviour.

Learning Objectives

All management thinking necessitates the exploration of complex, uncertain and incomplete information in order to understand the multi-facetted relationship between task, people and the environment. It requires the ability to bound this ambiguity, make sense out of it, as well as take decisive action consistent with the strategic direction of the organisation. Students should develop a theoretical and conceptual understanding of the multi-faceted nature of management and be able to discuss some of the challenges facing managers in the 21st century.

Skills

On completion of the module, students will:
1. Have detailed knowledge of key management philosophies and principles;
2. Understand the nature, scope, and role of a manager;
3. Have examined key management concepts and theories;
4. Be able to apply key concepts and theories to the problems faced by managers;
5. Have examined emerging issues relating to the discipline; and
6. Be able to comment critically on various management practices.

The module will also provide students with the opportunity to acquire or enhance the following key skills:

Subject-specific skills
1. The ability to apply a theoretical understanding of management and managerial behaviour to current industry practice;
2. The ability to critically evaluate management decision making;
3. The ability to critically appraise academic work within the subject area; and
4. The ability to analyse and discuss case studies and articles concerned with managerial behaviour across various contexts.

Cognitive skills
1. Problem solving;
2. Logical reasoning;
3. Independent enquiry;
4. Critical evaluation and interpretation; and
5. Self-assessment and reflection.

Transferable skills
1. The ability to synthesise and evaluate information/data from a variety of sources;
2. The ability to prepare and communicate ideas in written form;
3. The ability to work both independently and as part of a group;
4. Organisation and time management; and
5. Problem solving and critical analysis.

Assessment

Students must achieve an overall mark of 40% in the module to pass.