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2026/2027  BA-BSEMO2521U  Organizational Behavior

English Title
Organizational Behavior

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course First Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Service and Markets
Programme Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Service Management
Course coordinator
  • Miriam Feuls - Department of Organization (IOA)
Main academic disciplines
  • Organisation
  • Organisational behaviour
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 25-06-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
To pass the course, the student should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of concepts, theories, models and perspectives presented in the course.
  • Demonstrate an ability to analyze and explain complex organizational situations and practices, using concepts, theories, models and perspectives discussed in the course.
  • Formulate effective solutions to organizational problems or situations, using the concepts, theories, models and perspectives addressed in the course.
  • Deliver well‐structured and compelling written and oral presentations on organizational associated issues, tailored to the needs of a specific audience.
Course prerequisites
English language skills equal to B2 level (CEFR) are recommended.
Examination
Organizational Behavior:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Active participation

The completion of this course is based on active student participation in class. The course will be considered as passed if the students participation - based on an overall assessment - in the class activities fulfill the learning objectives of the course. The individual student’s participation is assessed by the teacher.
The student must participate in A combination of assignment and presentation
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Grading scale Pass / Fail
Examiner(s) Assessed solely by the teacher
Exam period Autumn
Make-up exam/re-exam
Oral exam
Description of activities
A combination of assignment and presentation: The exam consists of three assessment elements, all of which must be successfully completed:
1) Group work: prepare and facilitate an exercise class based on a given case (including presentation of the case, main concepts and theories to analyze the case, and analysis questions reflecting perspectives)
2) Individual quizzes: complete 4 out of 6 online quizzes (based on course readings and lectures)
3) Individual assignments: submit 4 out of 6 online assignments (including reflecting questions on course content, cases, and solutions to organizational problems)
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

This course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of the characteristics and behavior of groups and organizations. Students will be acquainted with contemporary perspectives on how organizations act and how organizations impact the actions of organizational members and vice versa. Modern, symbolic, and postmodern perspectives on organizations are presented, and it is expected that by the end of the course, students will not only be familiar with the differences between these perspectives but also will be able to see the strengths and weaknesses of the various perspectives.
 
The course will examine group dynamics and processes, culture and identity, leadership and change, power and politics, and organizational structure and design, as well as the organizational context and environmental influences on the organization. Throughout the course students will explore relations between individuals (employees, managers), formal and informal groups, organizations, industries and the wider organizational context.
 
A range of teaching methods and course materials will help us introduce important approaches, concepts, and frameworks, and apply those to different types of organizations operating in diverse sectors and geographies.
 
The course will allow students (1) to develop an ability to analyze, comprehend, and explain important aspects and determinants of behavior in organizations, and 2) to apply theories and approaches from the course in a practical way to competently and strategically address problems, envision and achieve organizational change, and learn what it takes to be more effective and engaging leaders and managers.

 

Academic progression:

This course runs in the 3rd semester of the program, and complements with an organizational perspective the previous management courses from the 1st and 2nd semesters. Acknowledging that management is a process that takes place within and across organizations, this course on organizational behavior brings forward important aspects about behavioral dynamics of groups and of organizations, complementing the focus of management courses on decision-making processes and efficiency.

This course also complements other courses in the 3rd and 4th semester such as Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting and Strategy in a Service Perspective. An effective control, accounting and financial systems require organizations that are able to deliver, and for that it is fundamental to understand organizational behavior issues associated to the relations between the individuals and groups that form the organization, and its external context. Likewise, delivering the value creation and competitive market performance suggested in the strategy course of the 4th semester requires an organization that is able to function in that direction. The behavior of individuals and groups within the organization is fundamental to achieve the strategic goals set up for the firm.
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
Description of the teaching methods
The course provides students with opportunities to engage in a variety of relevant learning activities and demonstrate their knowledge individually and in groups at multiple points throughout the course: lectures, exercise classes, assignments, and quizzes.

There will be 2 weekly class meetings: lectures and exercise classes. The lectures will primarily cover the assigned readings and focus on the main theoretical concepts and perspectives in the readings. The teaching will also include real-world applications and demonstrate how concepts and perspectives relate to practice. Each lecture will focus on a relevant theme related to the challenges leaders face in contemporary organizing, such as diversity and inclusion, sustainability, inequality, and digitalization.
The exercise classes will take place in smaller groups and be devoted to questions, discussions, and case exercises led by an assigned student group. Cases will provide the ‘application’ aspects of this course. Students will work in groups to a great extent, and the assigned group activities will require their full participation. The exercise classes are intended to give students the opportunity to apply what they are learning to real-world problems.
Assignments and quizzes are to be completed online. They are complemented by additional course materials, such as videos and podcasts.
Feedback during the teaching period
The students will receive feedback throughout the course in various ways. First, they will receive feedback during lectures through interaction with the teacher if any questions arise. Second, they will receive feedback through online multiple-choice quizzes, enabling them to assess their own knowledge. Third, students will receive feedback on their online assignments, where they can apply their knowledge and reflect on organizational problems. Lastly, students will receive feedback during exercise classes, including cases and presentations, as well as class discussions related to the lecture content.
Student workload
Regular class sessions 38 hours
Readings of about 450 pages of literature 110 hours
Other preparation prior to class 30 hours
Expected literature

Literature

One book has been ordered for this course, in addition to a few articles and a course compendium, which will be announced on Canvas.

 

Book

Hatch, M. J. 2018.  Organization Theory. Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Last updated on 25-06-2026