MCO-01 Organization Theory and Behaviour: guess paper and solved papers
MCO-01 is a theory paper of IGNOU M.Com that many students find manageable once they learn the main models with examples from real organisations.
Need the MCO-01 guess paper or solved papers?
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Quick facts
| Course code | MCO-01 |
|---|---|
| Course | Organization Theory and Behaviour |
| Programme | M.Com (MCOM) |
| Exam | Term End Examination, held in June and December |
| Assignments | Must be submitted to your Learner Support Centre before you take the exam |
What this course covers
The course covers how organisations are designed and how people behave inside them:
| Unit / area | What you study and what the exam looks for |
|---|---|
| Evolution of organisation theory: classical, neoclassical, modern | Taylor, Fayol, Weber; human relations; systems and contingency views. |
| Organisation structure and design | Line, functional, matrix and network structures. |
| Individual behaviour: personality, perception, learning, attitudes | Why individuals behave differently at work. |
| Motivation theories | Content and process theories of motivation. |
| Group dynamics, leadership and communication | How groups form, how leaders influence, how communication flows. |
| Conflict, stress and organisational change | Sources of conflict and stress; managing change. |
How the exam paper is usually set
Expect long answer questions with choice, and short notes. Many questions ask you to explain a theory and illustrate it with an example, so keep a few workplace examples ready.
| Question type | Suggested length in the exam | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Long answer (about 20 marks) | 3 to 4 pages | 35 to 40 minutes |
| Medium answer (about 10 to 12 marks) | 2 pages | 18 to 20 minutes |
| Short note (about 5 to 6 marks) | Half to one page | 8 to 10 minutes |
Marks per question vary by paper; read the marks printed against each question and divide your 3 hours in that ratio.
Where to spend your preparation time
| Area | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Motivation theories | Maslow, Herzberg, McGregor and expectancy theory are common long answers. |
| Leadership | Styles and theories with Indian business examples. |
| Organisation structure | Types of structure and their merits. |
| Change and conflict | Good for both long answers and short notes. |
Practice questions in exam style
Write answers to these without looking at notes, then compare with your study material. These are our own practice questions in the IGNOU style, not copied from any paper.
- Compare the classical and neoclassical theories of organisation.
- Explain Herzberg's two factor theory with an example.
- Discuss the factors that influence individual perception at work.
- What causes resistance to change and how can managers reduce it?
- Write short notes on: (a) informal groups (b) transactional leadership.
- Explain the Hawthorne experiments and their importance.
- Discuss the contingency approach to organisation.
- What is organisational culture?
- Explain Vroom's expectancy theory.
- Discuss the causes and consequences of work stress.
How to write a high scoring answer: worked outline
Question: Explain Herzberg's two factor theory with an example.
Introduction (4 to 5 lines): Introduce Herzberg's study of engineers and accountants and the two sets of factors.
Main body (one short heading per point):
- Hygiene factors: pay, policy, working conditions, supervision; their absence causes dissatisfaction.
- Motivators: achievement, recognition, responsibility, growth; their presence motivates.
- Diagram showing the two continua.
- Example from an Indian company or your workplace.
- Criticisms: method, individual differences.
Conclusion (3 to 4 lines): Conclude with the lesson for managers: fixing hygiene stops complaints, motivators drive performance.
Use this shape for any long answer in this course: define, develop four or five points with examples, conclude.
A 4 week study plan
| Week | What to do for MCO-01 |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read the blocks for: Evolution of organisation theory: classical, neoclassical, modern, Organisation structure and design, Individual behaviour: personality, perception, learning, attitudes. Make one page notes per unit. |
| 2 | Read the rest: Motivation theories, Group dynamics, leadership and communication, Conflict, stress and organisational change. Add notes. |
| 3 | Solve two previous year papers under time. Compare with solved answers and note gaps. |
| 4 | Revise notes and the guess paper. Write two full answers by hand. Rest the night before. |
Mistakes that cost marks in MCO-01
- Theory without example.
- No diagram where one fits.
- Confusing Maslow and Herzberg.
Our tip for MCO-01
Draw each theory as a small diagram in your notes. A neat diagram in the exam answer saves words and shows understanding.
What you get in the guess paper and solved papers
The Gullybaba guess paper for MCO-01 groups likely questions by unit, with answers written to the length the exam needs. The solved paper set has complete answers for recent June and December papers.
A guess paper is a revision tool. Nobody can promise which questions will come, so read the whole syllabus and use the guess paper to revise faster.
Official IGNOU resources
- Current assignments: IGNOU assignments portal
- Previous question papers from December 2024: IGNOU question papers page
- Older papers: IGNOU's previous question paper archive (linked from the Downloads page of ignou.ac.in)
- Official study material: eGyanKosh, IGNOU's digital repository
Frequently asked questions
Is MCO-01 guess paper available in Hindi?
M.Com courses are offered in Hindi medium too. Tell us your medium on WhatsApp and we will confirm.
Is MCO-01 a scoring paper?
Yes, for students who learn the main theories with examples and diagrams.
Need the MCO-01 guess paper or solved papers?
Send your course code and medium (English or Hindi). We reply with price and a sample page.