HRPD702 - Contemporary Organizational Behaviour Prof.

Sheldon Shiewitz

GROUP Research Project

Project Description:

The following outcomes are among those indicated for this course:
- to evaluate the study of organizational behaviour, and assess the various theoretical and
analytical frameworks that are employed;
- to analyze emerging issues in theory and application of organizational behaviour, with
particular emphasis on human rights, managing diversity and global cross-cultural issues;
- to evaluate alternative frameworks for planning organizing and implementing
organizational change and development.

These outcomes suggest it important to look at research being conducted on issues in Contemporary
Organizational Behaviour, in order to be aware of emerging issues facing Canadian organizations.

Topic Choice:

From the list of topics listed on the course outline, and elaborated on in the Table of Contents of your
textbook, choose a topical area that is of particular interest to you. Then, pick an aspect FROM
WITHIN the chosen topic – try to be as specific as you can. [for ex: Motivation – Nature and Role of
Various Forms of Compensation; - not just MOTIVATION ]. DO NOT limit yourself to only those exact
and specific aspects of a topic specified in the Table of Contents;
-- also do not merely review what is already discussed in the textbook, or what has
already been discussed in class – the intention is to examine a unique element.

For your topic, you will need to do a literature search. A literature search will produce a list of recent
source material [academically valid] on the topic. You are to use the resources from the Learning
Resource Centre at Centennial College [you may get help from the library staff to familiarize yourself
with the best places and methods to locate published material on your subject]. Please confine your
search to material published after 2007. [NB: textbooks or “popular magazine” articles are not proper
resources for this assignment – you need to use only academically valid, referenced, cited, and “cite-
able” work.]

Project Requirements:

The written submission / report of your project will include the following [all to be presented
professionally - following required submission protocols you were provided earlier]:

1. A statement of the topic you have chosen and why this area is of interest to you, in paragraph form.
2. An explanation of the reason you feel this topic is an important issue in Contemporary
Organizational Behaviour, in the Canadian context.
3. For the next section, find and provide a list of at least 6 publications, using APA format, which you
obtained in your literature search.
a. These 6 publications are not to be listed in the References section of your paper [except as
noted in (4b)]. Rather, this is a discreet section within the body of your paper.
4. Of these 6, choose 3 publications related to the research conducted on your topic. Write a summary
(2 - 3 paragraphs for each) on the research conducted and the findings.
a. For each of these 3, summarize, discuss, then evaluate, what each contributes to your
understanding of the topic you have chosen.
b. These 3 publications you will include in a final Reference section, properly cite, and list in
proper APA format in the References/Citations section at the end of your paper.
5. Submit your work in a word-processed document [12 pt font, arial or times roman; double spaced;
pages electronically numbered; 1” margins] with a proper cover page, using headings and sub-
headings for clarity and organization of your work. Check your work for syntax, spelling and
grammar to create a professional report.
6. It is expected that each team member will make an equal contribution. As such, along with your
completed team Research Paper each Team Member’s typed contribution [which should be the
format originally submitted for the groups review and ultimate consolidation into the final paper] to
the Paper is to be attached.

Due Date is somewhat flexible - 1 or 2 weeks prior to final exam

Grade towards final mark is noted on Course Outline and / or eCentennial site