Experiential Exercises in Organization Theory, H. Eugene Baker III and Steven K. Paulson, 1995.

Transcription

1 1 Term: Fall 2001 Course Number: Course Title: MAN 6204 (Weekend MBA) Topics in Organization Management Course Description And Prerequisites: Prerequisite: MAN 5050 or equivalent A systematic approach to the design of structural components of organizations for the purpose of increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Emphasis on internal and external determinants of structure and on the impact of structure on behavior in the organization. Instructor: Dr. Gene Baker Office: 42/3139 Office Hours: By appointment Phone: Webpage: gbaker@unf.edu Required Textbooks: Topics in Organization Management, Gibson, et al., Experiential Exercises in Organization Theory, H. Eugene Baker III and Steven K. Paulson, Course Content: Course Outline Weeks Introduction & Administration.5 Organizational Research.5 Decision Making 1.0 Perception/Attribution.5 Motivation 1.0 Group Dynamics 1.0 Power/Conflict 1.0 Leadership 1.0 Organization Theory.5 Structural Dimensions.5 Contextual Factors 1.5 Design Alternatives.5 Mintzberg s Configuration 1.0 Organizational Effectiveness.5 Examinations 1.0 Total 16.0 Course Objectives: The content of this course is based upon those principles of management which have been derived from the social and behavioral sciences. Traditionally, these principles have been discussed under the headings of Organizational Theory and Organizational

2 2 Behavior; approximately 45% of the course is drawn from the former, 45% from the latter and 10% from popular applications of both. The core materials of the course focus on alternative organizational designs and approaches to coordinating work related activities. The social and behavioral patterns which result from such alternatives are frequently referred to as organizational culture and structure. The ultimate purpose of such patterns is to achieve goals and enhance the value of the organization. As the University Catalog indicates, attention will also be given to the internal and external determinants, especially in their role as input to organizational diagnoses -- an important underlying theme for the entire course. The general purpose of the course, then, is to provide the student with a thorough understanding, and opportunities to apply, principles of management as they relate to organizational culture and structure. This is not a course in which conventional management wisdom is packaged into either-or and right-wrong categories; rather it is a course in which there will be very few "right" answers, easy solutions or clear cut examples. Hence the course will help develop informed, imaginative and critical thinking about the design of, and behavior within, organizations. Grading: Exam I pts. Total Points Course Grade Exam II pts A Exam III pts B ITEE Projects - 30 pts C Total 330 pts D 197 and below F Integrating Theory and Experience Essay (ITEE)*: There will be three (3) hourly examinations. Each exam is weighted equally. Students should note that exam material will be developed equally from the textbook, class lectures and exercises. One of the goals of this course is to encourage you to connect course concepts and theories with your own experience. In this spirit, you will be writing a number (6) of short essays, the purpose of which is for you to relate concepts from the readings and lectures to your own experience. For this assignment to be meaningful, you should write about issues that matter to you. You can relate your knowledge of theory to your experience in many ways. Three possible ways are described below: 1. One way is to describe how a concept (or concepts) that you learned help you to better understand some aspect of your own life. In this way you describe how the concept fits with your own experience. For example, your knowledge of individual methods of dealing with conflict may help you realize why you responded to a conflict situation in a particular manner. 2. Another way is to describe how a concept (or concepts) suggests new ways for you to act. For example, your understanding of various leadership styles may provide you with a model for exhibiting the appropriate leader behavior in a certain situation.

3 3 3. Yet another way is to critique the concepts based on your experience. For example, your knowledge of the underlying concepts of goal setting theory may suggest the efficacy of the concept. However, your actual experience is that MBO failed to be effective in your organization. More concepts do not necessarily make for a better essay. One or two concepts fully explored is better than five or six lightly touched upon. Concepts/theories must be selected from the topical areas listed in the course schedule on the dates specified [ie., September 17 - Chapter 17 (Decision Making)]. Concepts/theories may be selected from either text or lecture materials. Each essay should be approximately one to one and one-half (1-1 ½) pages in length, typewritten in standard font size and doubled spaced. ITEE s must be submitted on the date due. No essays will be accepted after the due date. Each of the eight essays is worth 5 points for a total possible score of 30. Assessment guidelines are as follows: 5 points - both the topic/concept and specific personal experience are clear, well developed and effectively related. 3 points - both the topic/concept and specific personal experience are clear and well developed but the relationship is not well developed. 1 point - neither the topic/concept or specific personal experience are clear and well developed and the relationship is not well developed. In writing your essay, be sure to withhold the names of managers, co-workers, and the name of the company. It is possible that I may discuss some of these in class and anything you write in your essay may be shared, anonymously, with the class. * Adapted from McCormick and Smith, 1992 Written Communication Requirements: Oral Communication Requirements: International Coverage: Ethical Issues Covered: Incorporated in the ITEE project detailed above. Oral communication skills will be demonstrated through class participation in a number of experiential exercises. Where appropriate, international issues will be addressed within the context of course topics. Ethical considerations will be addressed throughout the course.

4 4 Academic Integrity: "The University of North Florida authorizes any instructor who finds evidence of cheating, plagiarism, or other wrongful behavior that violates the University of North Florida Academic Integrity Code to take appropriate action and so inform the student. Possible action includes but is not limited to failing the person on the work in question, failing the person for the course, notifying the appropriate academic Dean or Vice President for Student Affairs, and requesting additional action be taken. (p. 23, UNF Catalog). The action to be taken by this instructor for any incidence of violation of academic integrity will be a zero on the exam/project in which the violation occurred. Disabilities Statement: Reading Assignments: If you have a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires a classroom accommodation or auxiliary aid(s), please inform me of your needs during the first week of class so that I may take appropriate action. You should also notify the Office of Disabled Services Programs at concerning any needs you may have. Due to the nature and schedule of the course, attendance and participation in ALL meeting activities is required for successful completion of this course. Students are encouraged and expected to complete assigned readings prior to class. The attached schedule is provided as a guide to aid the student in time allotment.

5 5 Date Chapter Topic Sept. 15 S -- Introduction & Administration, Organization Research 1(pp. 3-19), 17 Study of Organizations, Decision Making 22* S 17 Decision Making, Perception/Attribution 6 Perception/Attribution, Motivation 29 S -- EXAM I Group Behavior Oct. 6* S 9, 10 Intergroup Behavior, Power & Politics 13* S 12 Power & Politics, Leadership 20 S -- No Class 27* S 13 EXAM II 2, 13, 15 Organization Theory, Structural Dimensions, Contextual Factors Nov. 3* S 2, 13, 15 Contextual Factors 10 S 2, 13, 15 Contextual Factors, Design Alternatives 17* S 2, 13, 15 Design Alternatives, Mintzberg s Configurations 24 S -- No Class Dec. 1 S 1(pp ) Mintzberg s Configurations, Organizational Effectiveness *ITEE Due 8 S 2, 13, 15, 1 EXAM III