Ateneo - UPO

The course analyses the fundamental principles of organisational behaviour, with particular attention to motivational theories, team dynamics and leadership. It covers classical and contemporary organisational behaviour theories, team dynamics and leadership in co-located, hybrid and virtual contexts.
Students will develop a critical understanding of managerial levers that are useful for promoting staff motivation and engagement.

Organizational Behavior (2019) (online source: https://openstax.org/details/books/organizational-behavior). The lecturer will specify particular sections of the book.
The slides and scientific articles shared during the lectures will be considered integral material.

The course aims to:
1) provide the fundamental theoretical tools for understanding individual and collective behaviour within organisations, with particular reference to motivation, group dynamics, leadership, power, conflict and negotiation;
2) develop the ability to critically interpret the relational and decision-making dynamics that characterise organisational contexts, including in the light of digital transformation and the evolution of hybrid and virtual work;
3) develop skills useful for managing relationships, groups, conflicts and communication processes in an informed and responsible manner, with particular attention to social sustainability and responsible management.

The course combines lecture-based and interactive teaching through asynchronous online activities and face-to-face sessions, as specified in the ‘Teaching Methods’ section.

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A basic understanding of the key concepts covered in the Business Organisation module is required, with particular reference to organisational structure, the division of labour, roles, coordination mechanisms, key organisational models and organisational change

The course adopts a blended learning approach, designed to coherently integrate asynchronous online lectures (2 CFU) with in-presence sessions (1 CFU).
Asynchronous activities are primarily dedicated to introducing and structuring the core theoretical concepts of organisational behaviour, providing students with interpretative models, analytical frameworks and tools to understand individual, group and organisational dynamics.
In-person sessions focus on the development of soft skills and the practical application of theoretical content through case studies, simulations, role plays and group work. During these sessions, students are encouraged to critically reflect on organisational behaviours, engage with different perspectives and experiment with effective communication, collaboration and decision-making practices.
The course includes practical exercises and collaborative projects aimed at strengthening transversal skills such as teamwork, leadership, conflict management and self-awareness in organisational contexts. Digital platforms are used to support continuous interaction, collaborative learning and the integration of individual and collective learning paths.
Overall, the course design seeks to balance flexibility and active participation, fostering experiential learning and the ability to transfer theory and skills to real organisational situations, with particular attention to issues related to work, innovation and sustainability.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Assessment is structured as follows:

- group project work: 30% of the final grade;
- individual final written exam: 70% of the final grade.

The project work consists of the analysis of a case concerning one or more of the following dimensions: motivation, teamwork, leadership, conflict, negotiation, power, and organizational communication. The project work assesses:

- ability to apply knowledge and understanding;
- making judgements;
- ability to collaborate;
- communication skills.

The evaluation takes into account the correctness of the analysis, the ability to apply theoretical models, argumentative rigor, the relevance of the proposed solutions, and the clarity of the presentation.
The final written exam includes: 10 multiple-choice questions; 1 open-ended question.

The multiple-choice questions primarily assess knowledge and understanding of the main theories and fundamental concepts. The open-ended question requires applying concepts to an organizational situation, establishing connections between different topics, and formulating an independent and well-reasoned evaluation. The multiple-choice questions carry a maximum total of 10 points; the open-ended question carries a maximum of 20 points. Incorrect or unanswered multiple-choice questions do not incur penalties.

The written exam is passed with a minimum score of 18/30. The final grade is derived from the project work (30%) and the individual written exam (70%). The grade bands are as follows:

- 18–20: essential knowledge and sufficient ability to interpret simple situations;
- 21–23: correct knowledge and adequate analytical ability;
- 24–26: good knowledge and ability to critically apply the main models;
- 27–29: comprehensive knowledge, notable analytical and synthesis skills, and good independent judgement;
- 30–30 cum laude: in-depth understanding, high critical autonomy, ability to integrate different perspectives, and to formulate original and rigorously argued interpretations.

Preparation for the final exam will be based on the textbook, slides, and scientific articles indicated in the course materials. The cases and operational materials made available on the teaching platform constitute the main reference for preparing the project work.

The course analyses how people live and interact within organisations. It is divided into three levels of analysis – macro, meso and micro – to offer an integrated understanding of organisational behaviour dynamics at different levels.
The course begins with a definition of organisational behaviour and an examination of the main motivational theories.
This is followed by an examination of the main theories of teamwork and leadership, with particular reference to the factors that influence their effectiveness.
The course finally explores conflict management and negotiation skills.
The subjects addressed in the course are presented with reference to different organisational contexts, including for-profit companies, public companies, and third sector/non-profit organisations.
Gender mainstreaming: as part of the topics covered, discussions will, where relevant, address the role of gender stereotypes and biases in organisational structures, decision-making processes, leadership and communication, as well as practices designed to promote inclusion and equal opportunities.

Knowledge and Understanding. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

- know and understand the main theoretical models of organizational behavior;
- know the main theories of motivation;
- understand the dynamics of group and team formation and functioning;
- know the main approaches to leadership;
- understand the dynamics of power, conflict, and negotiation;
- understand the impact of hybrid and virtual forms of work on individual and group behavior.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding. Students will be able to:

- apply the main models of organizational behavior to real or simulated situations;
- interpret problems related to motivation, teamwork, leadership, and conflict;
- recognize relational and power dynamics within organizations;
- use analytical tools to understand the causes of conflicts and collaboration difficulties;
- identify management and negotiation strategies appropriate to the context.

Making Judgements. Students will be able to:

- critically evaluate individual and collective behavior in work contexts;
- compare leadership styles and team management strategies;
- formulate well-reasoned judgments on situations of conflict, negotiation, and power distribution;
- critically recognize biases, informational distortions, and communicative dynamics that can affect decision-making processes;
- evaluate the ethical and social implications of managerial practices.

Communication Skills. Students will be able to:

- communicate effectively within groups and teams;
- present organizational analyses and recommendations both orally and in writing;
- use appropriate disciplinary terminology in English;
- argue a position and critically engage with alternative perspectives;
- use appropriate communication approaches in managing conflicts and negotiations.

Learning Skills. Students will be able to:

- independently integrate theory, empirical observation, and analysis of organizational behavior;
- critically reflect on their own modes of interaction in work contexts;
- transfer the tools and concepts learned to new contexts;
- independently update their competencies regarding transformations in work and organizational relationships.

Minimum expected learning level:
To achieve a passing grade, students must know the main models of motivation, teamwork, leadership, conflict, and negotiation, and demonstrate the ability to use them in interpreting simple organizational situations, formulating comprehensible and sufficiently reasoned considerations.

Advanced expected learning level:
To achieve an advanced level, students must be able to critically compare different theories and models, apply them independently to complex organizational situations, identify implicit dynamics of power and relationship, and formulate well-reasoned intervention and management strategies.