Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will study individual behavior and the ways in which groups develop. You will also consider the nature of work teams, organizational culture, leadership styles, and performance improvement.

The material is divided into six modules, which focus on the following topics: individuals, groups, team building, culture, leadership, and performance. Knowledge checks and videos appear throughout the course and help you check your learning.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • The graduate can describe the effects of specified influences on individual behavior.
  • The graduate can recommend appropriate principles or techniques for guiding the development of a group.
  • The graduate can determine which type of team and team leadership should be used to accomplish a task or project.
  • The graduate analyzes the culture within an organization to determine how to work effectively within that organization.
  • The graduate can analyze leadership theories, methods, and tools in given situations and select the appropriate behavior of the leader.
  • The graduate can develop and recommend how to implement effective performance-evaluation processes.

Assessment

The assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Team.

1 Final Exam
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Individuals
  • Describe personality, the way it is measured, and the factors that shape it.
  • Compare cultural and value frameworks, and their implications for behavior.
  • Explain the factors that influence perception and decision-making.
  • Contrast the three ethical decision criteria.
  • Explain the key elements of motivation and how classic and contemporary motivation theories complement one another.
Groups
  • Distinguish between the different types of groups and explain how groups develop and function.
  • Demonstrate how norms, status, and size exert influence on individual behavior.
  • Explain how cohesion and group processes influence group decision-making and effectiveness.
  • Describe types of conflict and outline the negotiation and conflict resolution process.
  • Show how individual differences and social factors influence negotiations.
  • Assess the roles and functions of third-party negotiation in managing conflict.
Team Building
  • Analyze the continued popularity of teams in organizations.
  • Contrast the five types of team arrangements.
  • Identify the characteristics of effective teams.
  • Explain how organizations can create effective teams.
  • Decide when to use individuals instead of teams.
Culture
  • Describe the common characteristics of organizational culture.
  • Compare the functional and dysfunctional effects of organizational culture on people and the organization.
  • Identify the factors that create and sustain an organization’s culture.
  • Explain how culture is transmitted to employees.
  • Discuss how change operates both within and outside organizations.
Leadership
  • Identify the central tenets and main limitations of behavioral theories.
  • Discuss the roles of leaders in creating ethical organizations.
  • Identify challenges and emerging perspectives in understanding leadership.
  • Explain the value of organizational behavior and identify challenges and opportunities in applying OB concepts.
  • Describe the key employability skills gained from this course.
Performance
  • Contrast leadership and power, including the bases and dynamics of power in organizations.
  • Identify power or influence tactics, their contingencies, and the role of dependence in power relationships.
  • Analyze how politics work in organizations.
  • Explain the causes and consequences of abuse of power in organizations.
  • Describe key human resource practices, including recruitment, selection, training, and performance management.
  • Describe the leadership role of human resources (HR) in promoting effective, inclusive, and accessible workplaces.

Technology Requirements

We want you to have the tools to succeed! Since this course includes at least one proctored test, please be sure to have a working microphone, speakers, and an external webcam. Unfortunately, an internal webcam (built into many laptops) is not acceptable. (Note: The external webcam is required only for exams that have proctors. You do not need one for practice tests and other non-proctored assessments.) If you haven't already, be sure to download the Meazure Learning Guardian browser, which you will need for the proctoring system.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If you haven't already, download this free software. You may encounter an interactive form that contains fields that you can select or fill in. Review how to fill in a PDF form.

For other details about the technology you'll need, review the Computer System and Technology Requirements. If you have questions about your setup, contact support@academy.wgu.edu.

Key Contacts

Course Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.