Organisational Behaviour
Research Essay – 30% (Individual Assessment 1)
Due Date: 11:30 pm (Thursday – week 6) Length: 1500 words (10% leeway)
All students are required required to develop an arguable proposition on which to write an essay. Your paper should be presented in standard academic essay format. The format must be in 12pt font and 1.5 spaced.
The purpose of this assignment is to develop/improve skills in writing, analysis, and argumentation in addition to adding to the depth of understanding about organizational behavior in the workplace.
You will be assessed on the quality of sources of information, how well you use these resources to support your arguments and your referencing skills. You are expected to use minimum of ten (10) different peer-reviewed journals. The use of WIKIPEDIA online encyclopaedia is not allowed. Use of Wikipedia may result in a fail grade in this essay. You must use the HARVARD referencing system to acknowledge your sources of information (both in-text and as a reference list at the end).
You should submit an electronic copy (Word Document .doc or .docx format) of your assignment to Turnitin only. Please do not supply a hardcopy.
The essay is intended to test aspects of your studies; your ability to comprehend material sourced from lectures, texts and research and, your ability to critically assess this material in a discussion of the essay question.
Essay need to be well supported by relevant research (academic journals mainly).
Essay topic:
Money and other financial rewards are a fundamental part of the employment relationship and can be used effectively in motivating employees. Discuss pros and cons of this argument.
Learning Outcomes Targeted:
Outcome a) Explain how theories of organisational behaviour may be applied in an organisational setting.
Outcome b) Evaluate potential organisational problem situations and formulate proactive managerial interventions, with special sensitivity to cultural, ethical and social concerns.
Outcome c) Locate relevant research and compare and critique the findings on current developments in organisational behaviour
Grading of Assignment
The following criteria will be used to allocate grades for this assignment:
Research Essay Marking Guide: Marks will be awarded as follows: (a detailed marking rubric will be provided via Moodle)
Assessment Criteria Max Marks
(Total 25)
Research
Quantity & depth of literature and other research
6
Analysis
How clearly the major relevant OB themes and issues related to the topic are identified
8
Conclusions
Sound summary, conclusions and recommendations are logically drawn from the literature
4
Structure
The overall structure of the essay: Development of logical and well supported arguments.
4
Clarity of written work 4
Format:
Adherence to presentation standards
Citations & Referencing
4
