Description
Organizations are necessary but complex and living systems. They exist for the simple reason that groups of people can accomplish more than individuals working alone do. At the same time, there is complexity in such collective social action, and several recurring and difficult problems often mark organizational life. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to elements of organizations and theories about how and why organizations and the people in organizations do what they do. It is designed to provide exposure to and offer critique of theories of organization, important organizational issues and processes, and a variety of strategies and tactics useful to successful organizational leaders and followers alike. This course will introduce you to four useful lenses for analyzing or expanding your critical examination of important aspects of organizations: Structures & Processes, People & Communication, Politics/Power/Influence, Culture/Biases/Symbols.