Organisations and Culture (Online)
Learn how to develop skills in building the structure and culture of organisations Book ConsultationApply NowOrganisations and Culture (Online)
Learn how to develop skills in building the structure and culture of organisations Book ConsultationApply NowRecommended Background
No specific experience or qualifications required.
University Entrance (or equivalent required for admission)
Only available to NZ citizens and permanent residents over 20 years old.
Duration
10 weeks
Next start dates
31 April 2025 (2025 Quarter Two)
Enrolment closes one week before the course starts. Apply early to secure your spot.
Domestic Fees*
$1,370.40 (estimate)
Why is this course right for you?
This course is part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Business (PGDipBus) and may also be taken as a course-only study option. It explores the role that managers play in building the structure and culture of organisations. Key issues in organisational design, culture, behaviour and structures are examined. By the end of the course, you will have advanced your business analysis, teamwork, communication and critical reflective skills.
Upon completion, students who wish to progress their studies further towards a formal qualification may count this course towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Business (entry criteria and time limits apply).
Course Structure
In this course, you will explore the central role that managers have in building the structure and culture of organisations and the need to succeed in these roles. A range of topics and perspectives are offered. You will learn about yourself within an organisation, teams, and managers’ roles, before moving on to the organisation itself. Key challenges within organisations such as structures, design and culture are explored. Aotearoa New Zealand organisations are analysed to provide a local context for organisations and key issues.
You will examine key issues in organisational design, culture, behaviour and structures by comparing contemporary and historical approaches. In addition, you will develop skills in managing multigenerational and multicultural workforces. The importance of communication and engagement are discussed throughout the course to provide you with key organisational decision-making skills.
| Introduction to organisations and culture | This module will provide you with an overview of organisations and culture. In particular, creating a sustainable culture and communicating with stakeholders of the organisation. | ||
| Organisational behaviour: People | In this module you will be exploring yourself as a person within an organisation. You will be introduced to tools that you can use to assess your skills and emotional intelligence. | ||
| Organisational behaviour: Teams | The previous module explored organisational behaviour related to people within an organisation. In this module, you will expand that knowledge to teams in organisations. In the workplace we will all be faced with teamwork; some face it with enthusiasm while others would rather work independently. This module will introduce you to teamwork and how it impacts organisational behaviour. | ||
| Manager roles | In this module you will be exploring the managers’ roles and the skills required by managers based on Mintzberg’s research. Throughout this module, you will think about your own skills and the approach you would want to take as a manager in an organisation. In addition, you will expand your knowledge of the difference between a manager and a leader which is a debate that occurs within the business. | ||
| Organisational structures | In this module, you will explore organisational structures that companies use. An organisational structure defines how activities such as task allocation, coordination, and supervision are directed toward achieving organisational aims. These are sometimes referred to as organisational charts when they are displayed in graphic form. Identifying a company’s structure seems simple, but it is quite complex when bringing in communication and decisions. | ||
| Organisational design | The focus of this module is on organisational design and the frameworks used to determine a redesign. The discussion of organisational design will build on your previous knowledge of organisational structures and you will see the connections between the two concepts. You will also explore models and strategies of organisational design you can consider in your managerial roles. | ||
| Organisational culture | In this module, you will start to explore organisational culture and why it is important. You will look at examples of real companies and analyse the framework used. This module will provide you with a foundation to organisational culture so you can start thinking about the manager’s role in setting, maintaining and even changing a culture. | ||
| New Zealand organisations and culture | Building on the overview of organisational culture provided in the previous module, you will explore Aotearoa New Zealand organisations and their culture. This context is important if you plan to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for your career. | ||
| Multigenerational and multicultural workforces | In this module, you will explore a couple of unique workforce aspects in multigenerational and multicultural workforces. You will look at examples from Aotearoa New Zealand companies and their application in your managerial roles. You will also look at diversity and inclusion as managing these workforces involves considering many factors. | ||
| Consolidation and reflection | In this module, you will look towards the future for organisations and have the chance to reflect on what you have learned throughout the course. |
Programme Structure
In this course, you will explore the central role that managers have in building the structure and culture of organisations and the need to succeed in these roles. A range of topics and perspectives are offered. You will learn about yourself within an organisation, teams, and managers’ roles, before moving on to the organisation itself. Key challenges within organisations such as structures, design and culture are explored. Aotearoa New Zealand organisations are analysed to provide a local context for organisations and key issues.
You will examine key issues in organisational design, culture, behaviour and structures by comparing contemporary and historical approaches. In addition, you will develop skills in managing multigenerational and multicultural workforces. The importance of communication and engagement are discussed throughout the course to provide you with key organisational decision-making skills.
Introduction to organisations and culture
This module will provide you with an overview of organisations and culture. In particular, creating a sustainable culture and communicating with stakeholders of the organisation.
Organisational behaviour: People
In this module you will be exploring yourself as a person within an organisation. You will be introduced to tools that you can use to assess your skills and emotional intelligence.
Organisational behaviour: Teams
The previous module explored organisational behaviour related to people within an organisation. In this module, you will expand that knowledge to teams in organisations. In the workplace we will all be faced with teamwork; some face it with enthusiasm while others would rather work independently. This module will introduce you to teamwork and how it impacts organisational behaviour.
Manager roles
In this module you will be exploring the managers’ roles and the skills required by managers based on Mintzberg’s research. Throughout this module, you will think about your own skills and the approach you would want to take as a manager in an organisation. In addition, you will expand your knowledge of the difference between a manager and a leader which is a debate that occurs within the business.
Organisational structures
In this module, you will explore organisational structures that companies use. An organisational structure defines how activities such as task allocation, coordination, and supervision are directed toward achieving organisational aims. These are sometimes referred to as organisational charts when they are displayed in graphic form. Identifying a company’s structure seems simple, but it is quite complex when bringing in communication and decisions.
Organisational design
The focus of this module is on organisational design and the frameworks used to determine a redesign. The discussion of organisational design will build on your previous knowledge of organisational structures and you will see the connections between the two concepts. You will also explore models and strategies of organisational design you can consider in your managerial roles.
Organisational culture
In this module, you will start to explore organisational culture and why it is important. You will look at examples of real companies and analyse the framework used. This module will provide you with a foundation to organisational culture so you can start thinking about the manager’s role in setting, maintaining and even changing a culture.
New Zealand organisations and culture
Building on the overview of organisational culture provided in the previous module, you will explore Aotearoa New Zealand organisations and their culture. This context is important if you plan to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for your career.
Multigenerational and multicultural workforces
In this module, you will explore a couple of unique workforce aspects in multigenerational and multicultural workforces. You will look at examples from Aotearoa New Zealand companies and their application in your managerial roles. You will also look at diversity and inclusion as managing these workforces involves considering many factors.
Consolidation and reflection
In this module, you will look towards the future for organisations and have the chance to reflect on what you have learned throughout the course.
Course Benefits
Students who complete this course will be able to:
- identify the organisational structure of a given business together with the pros and cons of that structure
- apply frameworks to explain the relationship between organisational structure, organisational design, and organisational culture in a business
- critically analyse the role(s) of a manager in a business, and assess how they might improve their practice
- reflect on course content and activities incorporating personal experiences and thoughts
- use written interpersonal communication skills in a professional and effective manner
- demonstrate skills in information literacy to identify and evaluate sources of information to inform key issues for managers.
Upon successful completion of the course you will:
- Be awarded with 15 credit points from the University of Auckland
- Have the option to take your credit into the PGDipBus (entry criteria and time limits apply)
Frequently asked questions about this course
Application FAQs
What are the entry requirements?
This course is designed for working professionals. To be admitted you must meet the requirements to study at a New Zealand University (e.g. through University Entrance or an alternative entrance pathway).
What is the date for the next intake?
The next start date for this course is Monday 31 March 2025. Enrolment closes one week before the course starts. Enrol early to secure your spot.
Is the course fee a one-off lump sum?
Yes, the course fee is a one-off sum.
Is this course open to non-resident students?
No. Currently University of Auckland Online Certificates of Proficiency are only open to NZ citizens and permanent residents.
Studying FAQs
Can I study the course in my own time? Is it suitable for those working full-time?
Yes. You can study at a time that suits you (within the allocated course dates). University of Auckland Online courses are designed for working professionals. They are flexible yet structured to help you gain the knowledge in the time you have.
How is the course structured?
The course will run over 10 weeks and will comprise 10 weekly modules. Further details on the course structure can be found under the ‘Course Structure’ tab further up on this page.
Assessment FAQs
How will I be assessed?
Learners will be assessed through a combination of activities that address the learning objectives from each of the modules in the course. These will comprise class discussion posts, a reflective learning journal, and case analysis.
Benefits FAQs
What is a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)?
A Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) is a course-only study option that allows you to take a course at the University of Auckland, without studying a full programme. It is a good option for those who want to study short-term or to test whether a subject is something they wish to pursue more of in the future.
Does the course enable me to take further study at the University?
If you decide to progress your studies further towards a full qualification, you can apply to reassign the points from your CoP to the PGDipBus (entry criteria and time limits apply).
How many course credits will I attain upon completion of the course?
Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded with 15 credit points from the University of Auckland.
Do I get a certificate at the end?
As a Certificate of Proficiency is not a formal qualification, you will not be able to graduate with it or receive a graduation certificate. Your results will be recorded on your official academic transcript, providing evidence of your study.
Start Your University Application
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