BUS 520 Leadership and Organizational Behavior

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Analyzes the interaction of individual, group, and organizational dynamics that influence human behavior
in organizations and determines appropriate management approaches to foster a productive work
environment. Examines a variety of theories, models, and strategies used to understand motivation and
individual behavior, decision making, the dynamics of groups, work teams, communication, leadership,
power and politics, conflict resolution, work design, organizational structure and culture, and managing
change. Provides a conceptual base for managers to interpret, assess, and influence human behavior in
an organization.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Resources
Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2015). Organizational behavior (16th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall.
Note: The textbook makes reference to MyManagementLab in various sections of the book.
MyManagementLab is not used in this course; therefore, neither students nor faculty have access to the
site.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Analyze the relationship between the basic organizational behavior models of individual, group,
and organizational processes, and the productivity of an organization.
2. Explore how individual differences, personality traits, and perspectives impact the productivity of
an organization.
3. Outline various individual and group decision-making processes, and key factors affecting these
processes, including ethical considerations.
4. Explain the variety of motivational theories and job design considerations.
5. Analyze the formation and dynamics of group behavior and work teams, including the application
of power in groups.
6. Examine the communication process, the primary conflict levels, and the process for negotiating
resolutions within organizations.
7. Explain the variety of leadership theories and roles.
8. Examine how power and influence empower and affect office politics, political interpretations, and
political behavior.
9. Analyze the hierarchical aspects of organizations and the common forms of bureaucracies, and
determine how work is organized and coordinated.
10. Evaluate ways organizational culture can be managed and promote ethics in an organization.
11. Determine how workplace stress contributes to individual performance.
12. Review learning theories and their relationship to organizational performance.
13. Analyze how technology influences organizational change, and how environment affects
organizational design and overall leadership strategy.
14. Use technology and information resources to research issues in leadership and organizational
behavior.
15. Write clearly and concisely about leadership and organizational behavior using proper writing
mechanics.

WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE

2015 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 520 STUDENT GUIDE 1158 (9-23-2015) Final
Page 1 of 4

BUS 520 Leadership and Organizational Behavior

The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work.
This includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery mode.
Week
1

Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 1: What is Organizational Behavior?

Activities

Course Expectations and Introductions

Scavenger Hunt (20 points)

Discussion: Why Does Studying Organizational Behavior Matter? (20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 2: Diversity in Organizations

Chapter 3: Attitudes and Job Satisfactions

Activities

Discussion: Does Diversity in the Workplace Really Make a Difference?

(20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 4: Emotions and Moods

Activities

Discussion: Leading with Your Head and Your Heart (20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 5: Personality and Values

Chapter 6: Perception and Individual Decision Making

Activities

Assignment 1: Emotional Intelligence and Effective Leadership (220 points)

Discussion: I Used to Be Indecisive. Now Im Not So Sure. (20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 7: Motivation Concepts

Chapter 8: Motivation: From Concepts to Applications

Activities

Discussion: Moved to Action (20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 9: Foundations of Group Behavior

Chapter 10: Understanding Work Teams

2015 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 520 STUDENT GUIDE 1158 (9-23-2015) Final
Page 2 of 4

BUS 520 Leadership and Organizational Behavior

Activities

Assignment 2: Using Motivation to Improve Performance (220 points)

Discussion: No Man Is an Island (20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 11: Communication

Chapter 12: Leadership

Activities

Leader Profile (Prework for Assignment 3) (20 points)

Discussion: More Than Words (20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 13: Power and Politics

Chapter 14: Conflict and Negotiation

Activities

Discussion: Power, Politics, and Conflict: Cant We All Just Get Along? (20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 15: Foundations of Organizational Structure

Chapter 16: Organizational Culture

Activities

10

Assignment 3: Using Leadership to Improve Ethical Performance

(300 points)

Discussion: Built on More Than Rock and Roll (20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s)
o

Chapter 17: Human Resource Policies and Practices

Chapter 18: Organizational Change and Stress Management

Activities

11

Discussion: Want to Attract Qualified Workers? (20 points)

Preparation

Reading(s): None

Activities

Reflective Discussion: But When Will I Ever Use This? (20 points)

2015 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 520 STUDENT GUIDE 1158 (9-23-2015) Final
Page 3 of 4

BUS 520 Leadership and Organizational Behavior

GRADING SCALE GRADUATE
Week

Total
Points

% of
Grade

Scavenger Hunt

20

2%

Assignment 1: Emotional Intelligence and Effective

Leadership

220

22%

Assignment 2: Using Motivation to Improve Performance

220

22%

Leader Profile (Prework for Assignment 3)

20

2%

Assignment 3: Using Leadership to Improve Ethical

Performance

300

30%

Weekly

220

22%

1,000

100%

Assignment

Participation (11 discussions, worth 20 points apiece)

Totals

Points

Percentage

Grade

900 1,000

90% 100%

800 899

80% 89%

700 799

70% 79%

Below 700

Below 70%

2015 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
BUS 520 STUDENT GUIDE 1158 (9-23-2015) Final
Page 4 of 4