Course description
This course takes the organization as the main unit of analysis. A broad range of organizational theories are considered including classical theory, institutional theory, systems theory, critical theory, cultural theory and post modern theories. Using case studies from public, private and not-for-profit sectors, students apply the theories in the examination of key themes and issues, including organizational change and the evolving nature of management and leadership. Students may work in teams to design and present proposals for new organizational forms.
Course content
I. WHAT IS ORGANIZATION THEORY?
- Why Study Organization Theory
- Classical and Institutional Theories
- Systems Theories
- Cultural and SymbolicTheories
- Human Resource Theories
- Conflict Theories
- Critical Theories
- Post Modern and Narrative Theories
- Organization and Environment
II. CORE THEMES
- The Social and Physical Structure of Organizations
- Technology, Information and Organizational Knowledge
- Organizational Power, Control and Conflict
- Management, Leadership and Governance
- Organizational Culture and Change
- The Evaluation of Organizations
III: DESIGNING NEW ORGANIZATIONS
- The Design Perspective
- Alternative and Emerging Organizational Forms
Learning activities
This course will employ a number of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including the following:
- lectures
- case studies
- small group discussion
- organizational design projects
Means of assessment
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. Evaluation will be based on course objectives and may include some of the following: quizzes, multiple choice exams, essay type exams, term paper or research project, computer based assignments, etc. The instructor will provide the students with a course outline listing the criteria for course evaluation at the beginning of the semester.
An example of one evaluation scheme:
| Mid-term exam |
20% |
| Research paper |
30% |
| Presentation |
20% |
| Final exam |
30% |
| Total |
100% |
Learning outcomes
At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of organizational theories.
- Use organizational theories to analyze key themes within private, public and third sector organizations.
- Examine the role of management and leadership in organizational process.
- Evaluate theories of organizational change.
- Explore new designs in organizational process and form.
Textbook materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
Textbook(s) such as the following, the list to be updated periodically:
- Hatch, Mary J. (2018). Organization theory: Modern, symbolic, and postmodern perspectives.
4th Ed. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.