Overview
This course provides DBA students with a basic understanding of the major theoretical perspectives in organization behaviour, organization theory, and strategic organization.
The readings selected constitute either classics or near classics in the field or integrative works that summarize and critique those classics, providing an overview of the most important conceptual insights in these fields rather than examples of the most recent studies. Students examine these theories and their applications with a critical eye to determine the conceptual and practical strengths and limitations of the material and its applicability to different administrative situations.
Outline
This course is divided into 13 lessons:
- Lesson 1: Scientific Inquiry and the Scope of Organization and Management Theory
- Lesson 2: Bridging between Research and Practice through Context
- Lesson 3: Bureaucracy, Classical Management, and Structural Contingency
- Lesson 4: Resource Dependence and Organizational Stakeholders
- Lesson 5: Institutional Theory
- Lesson 6: Organizational Culture and Identity
- Lesson 7: Networks and Organizations
- Lesson 8: Organizational Roles and Role Structure
- Lesson 9: Power, Control, and Domination in Organizations
- Lesson 10: What Does It All Mean?
- Lessons 11–13: Independent Research Work
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will:
- become familiarized with core concepts, theories, and perspectives in organization studies.
- develop the ability to read, present, and discuss research articles.
- learn to discuss the readings using the relevant terminology and articulate their ideas and inferences about them.
- practise critical thinking about organizational research.
- engage in self-reflection about their role in organizing and doing research on organizations.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Morgan, G. (2006). Images of organization (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Vibert, C. (2004). Theories of macro-organizational behaviour: A handbook of ideas and explanations. Routledge.
Other materials
All other course materials will be accessed online.
Evaluation
Your grade will be based on the successful completion of two individual assignments and on your participation in moderated group discussions.
| Activity | Weight |
| Participation in Discussions | 30% |
| Discussion Paper and Leadership | 30% |
| Final Paper | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
To receive a passing grade in this course, you must meet these minimum standards:
- receive a minimum of 70% on the participation component; and
- receive an average grade of 70% over all course components.