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Unit details

  • Core unit
  • Level 3
  • 5 credits

What will you learn

You will develop an understanding of the key external influences that impact on businesses and the context within which they operate, including discussing how and why organisations set goals. You will define workplace culture and how people’s behaviour shapes it. You will explain how organisations are whole systems and how your actions affect others. You will also discuss how people learn, adapt and develop in different ways. The concept of change is a key focus of this unit and you will explain how people professionals impact people in different ways and the importance of how focused project planning directs change in manageable ways.

This unit is suitable for persons who:

  • are studying, aspiring to, or embarking on, a career in people practice

  • are working in a people practice support role and wish to develop their knowledge and deliver immediate and short-term value for their organisation

  • wish to develop the specialist knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a people professional.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the business environment in which the people profession operates, including the key issues that affect it.

  • Understand how people’s behaviour in the workplace affects and shapes culture.

  • Understand the importance of effective management of change.


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Daniel M


2 Sept 2026

CIPD qualifications

Course is very in line with the idea of ‘training for marks’ which I like a lot

Aivanne C


1 Sept 2026

CIPD qualifications

Very informative and well structured

Austen H


1 Sept 2026

CIPD qualifications

Very good

Chelsea D


1 Sept 2026

CIPD qualifications

Jenny is an amazing tutor, considering I am not involved in audit I still enjoy the class

Luke K


1 Sept 2026

CIPD qualifications

Very satisfied

Sian M


25 Aug 2026

CIPD qualifications

I really enjoyed the course. My knowledge and understanding across all areas of HR have developed significantly, giving me much greater confidence in my role.

Tommy N


20 Aug 2026

CIPD qualifications

Now feeling confident about taking this exam

Flynn H


20 Aug 2026

CIPD qualifications

Jenny taught us very concisely and was incredibly helpful

Emma T


18 Aug 2026

CIPD qualifications

Really helpful overview of how to conduct our research project.

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