Organizational Theory

Required Text: Daft, Organization Theory and Design, 8th edition, Southwestern Publishers. Either paperback or hard cover is acceptable.

Purpose of the Course: Organization theory provides ways of analyzing and understanding organizations and how they work (or don’t work.) Building on knowledge of management principles, this course provides students with advanced tools and knowledge that are directly applicable to the workplace. While the course is entitled “theory”, the main goal is to enable you to see the connections between theory and practice.

Learning Objectives: Students will

1 Use analytical thinking skills to examine organizational problems

2 Analyze and interpret data in order to make decisions

3 Interpret information and apply theoretical perspectives

Structure and format of the course: Each week we will cover a chapter/topic from the Daft text, which may be supplemented with other readings that I will post to Blackboard or hand out in class. The format will include lecture on the new material, discussion of cases and in-class group exercises. Video presentations will also be included occasionally.

Policies:

1 Class attendance and participation are expected.

2 Students are expected to arrive on time.

3 Students may NOT leave the room during class unless they are ill or have to leave class early.

4 Please let me know about any problems you are encountering with the class material, deadlines, exams, etc. It is easier to deal with issues early, before they become problems. I am available by phone, email, fax, smoke signals, etc.

Course Work:

You will be required to do a variety of different types of work in Org Theory. The most important is pre-class preparation. To the extent possible, I prefer to run the class as an interactive discussion, rather than a monologue. To do that, I must be able to depend on your preparation. The assignment outline details the materials that should be completed prior to a class session. Your failure to complete these tasks will be reflected in your grade.

Case Presentations

Throughout the semester, we will have group case analysis presentations.

I will provide further information and a sample case analysis outline for your information. Dates for each case are indicated on the syllabus. During the first two weeks of the semester, you will have an opportunity to form a group and sign-up for a case.

Exams

There will be three exams, including the final (which is not cumulative.) The format will be a combination of multiple choice and essay.

Grading

Exams 25 points each Total possible exam points: 75

Group Presentation 20 points Total 20

Class participation 5 points Total 5

Total: 100

Ethics Statement

SUNY New Paltz School of Business

Ethics Statement

School of Business students are expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty in their college work. Cheating, forgery, and plagiarism are serious offenses, and students that engage in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary action. While we prefer to adhere to a code of honor in the School of

Business, due to national