PSYCH 321 - Organizational Theory

Students will read and discuss weekly perspectives represented in classic works on organizations from a variety of fields. The aim is both to gain an appreciation of the eclecticism and continuing concerns in the field of organizational theory and to aid students in applying theoretical orientations to practical events. Organizations are complex phenomena that can be analyzed on the individual, group, interorganizational, and societal levels. Approaches from engineering, psychology, sociology, political science, anthropology, economics, and business administration will be included to aid our understanding of the dynamics of organizational behavior on these different levels. Topics covered in this course will include theories of organizational structure, organizations as systems and cultures, decision making, intergroup conflict and negotiation, and impacts of information technology on modern organizations.
Units: 4
Course Type: Seminar