90437 - MODELLI E PRATICHE DI COMPORTAMENTO ORGANIZZATIVO

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with basic management concepts to better understand organizational behaviour. Lessons, discussion of case studies, and practice will focus on topics concerning individuals, groups, and organizational processes in work settings. More specifically, this integrated course is meant to provide theoretical concepts and managerial tools to (a) understand and analyze the main models underlying organizational behavior and people management; (b) develop and increase critical skills in decision making through the analysis of the impact of theories; c) identify problem solving approaches through discussion of case studies.

Course contents

The course aims to provide students with key concepts and practical tools to:

a) understand and apply the fundamental theories of organizational behavior;
b) enhance critical thinking skills by analyzing how organizational behavior theories inform managerial decision-making;
c) identify approaches to solving business problems through the in-class discussion of relevant case studies.

1. The Individual in Organizations:

1.1. Individual differences: personalities and skills

1.1.1.Definition of personality

1.1.2.The Big Five model

1.1.3.The most relevant personality traits

1.1.4.Personality assessment

1.1.5.The development of cognitive skills

1.2. Values, attitudes, moods and emotions

1.2.1.The nature of values, attitudes, moods and emotions

1.2.2.The relationships between values, attitudes, moods and emotions

1.2.3.Job satisfaction

1.2.4.Potential consequences of job satisfaction

1.3. Motivation at work

1.3.1.What motivation in work settings is: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

1.3.2.Why people act the way they act: Motivational theories

1.3.3.Goal setting, performance assessment, compensation, and career management as motivational tools

2. Group and Team Processes

2.1. Work groups

2.1.1.Different kinds of work teams and the 5-stage development model

2.1.2.Team characteristics

2.1.3.Team effectiveness

2.1.4.How to measure team effectiveness

2.1.5.Team dysfunctional processes

3. Power, Politics and Conflicts

3.1. Sources of individual formal and informal power

3.2 Sources of organizational units' power

3.3. Politics as the exercise of power in organizations

3.4. Conflict in organizations

3.5. Sources of conflict in organizations

3.6. Pondy's model of organizational conflict

3.7. Tacticts to handle conflict in organizations

Readings/Bibliography

- The official handbook for the course is:

Robbins, S.P., Judge, T.A., Bodega, D. (2016).
Comportamento organizzativo. Conoscere e sviluppare competenze organizzative.
Milano: Pearson Italia.
Chapters covered: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13.
📎 Digital version available at: Pearson Italia

- Additional Materials

Case studies, selected literature (book chapters and international papers), and other relevant resources will be made available through the course website:
🔗 https://iol.unibo.it
Materials may also be distributed or suggested during class activities.

 

- Additional References

Students are encouraged to consult the following supplementary texts:

Pilati, M., Tosi, H. (2008).Comportamento Organizzativo – Terza edizione.Milano: Egea.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9.

📎 Digital version available at: Pearson Italia

Kreitner, R., Kinicki, A. (2013). Comportamento Organizzativo. Milano: Apogeo.

Chapters: 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Teaching methods

This course aims to develop and enhance students’ teamwork skills through the analysis of complex scenarios, the identification of shared action plans, and the formulation of effective solutions within project-based activities.

Assessment methods

The final assessment for the course consists of two components:

1. Group Project
2. Individual Written Test (based on two or three open-ended questions)

Group Project

• Each group must consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 students.
• Groups will be self-organized by students, with the aim of ensuring heterogeneity in terms of individual backgrounds and characteristics.
• The project will involve the application of concepts and tools covered during the course to the analysis and resolution of a case study or a film, assigned by the instructor.
• Each group is required to prepare a PowerPoint presentation, including multimedia content, to be discussed on Friday, February 12, 2026.
• The final report must be uploaded to Virtuale no later than Friday, February 5, 2026.

Assessment criteria for the group project (each worth 10/30):

• Quality of the project
• Analytical capabilities
• Problem identification and problem-solving skills

Note for non-attending students:
They may either complete the case study project individually or submit a written paper on a topic assigned by the instructor.

Individual Test

The individual test consists of 15 multiple-choice questions with a penalty for incorrect answers, and one open-ended question. The test will be run in a laboratory.
This assessment is designed to evaluate the student’s understanding of the course content and their ability to apply it critically.

Final Grade Calculation

The final grade will be calculated as follows: 50% Group Project + 50% Individual Test

Algebraic approximation will be applied:

• Grades ≤ 0.49 will be rounded down
• Grades ≥ 0.50 will be rounded up
• Students achieving at least 27/30 in both components will receive a 3% bonus (before approximation).

Grade registration

Grade registration sessions will be conducted online through dedicated registration lists (distinct from those used for the individual test), which will be opened periodically on the AlmaEsami platform and simultaneously announced on Virtuale.

A maximum of four registration sessions per academic year will be made available.

 Important Information

All official communications, including exam dates and course updates, will be published exclusively on Virtuale:
🔗 https://virtuale.unibo.it

Teaching tools

The course will consist of interactive lessons, discussion of case studies and media material, and group activities.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Rita Tagliaventi