Course Description
The course focuses on the application of behavioral science theory and concepts to individual, interpersonal and group processes in a diverse workforce.
The study of organizational
behavior encompasses the behavior of individual organization members and groups
within organizations; the myriad of organizational processes, dynamics, and
conditions of the organization as a whole; and the ways in which all these
factors interrelate. This course helps students develop conceptual,
diagnostic and personal skills for dealing with human interaction in complex
organizations with diverse workforces. We will take a systems approach to
the material, finding in systems theories the common framework that links
organizational processes and dynamics at the individual, group, and
organizational levels. We will compare and contrast behavioral theories
and deal with a range of topics, including individual development and motivation,
group and team development and dynamics, communication, leadership, conflict,
power/politics, culture, diversity, creativity, ethics, decision-making, and
the organizational psyche. The student will develop skills in
applying these concepts and theories by analyzing realistic organizational
cases and processing and discussing those analyses with fellow students and the
Professor. The student will bring these skills to their own organizations
to assess current management practices and develop recommendations for
improvement.
