CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:

MGMT/PSYC 352 Organizational Behavior

 

 

 

Term:

August, 2009

 

 

 

 

Instructor:

R. Cayce Lawrence, Ph.D.

 

 

 

Meeting Times:

Saturday, 8:00 – 12:00

 

 

 

Office:

BU 309

 

 

 

 

Phone

461-8210

 

 

 

 

E-Mail:

rlawrenc@cbu.edu

 

 

 

 

 

Office Hours:

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 9:30 – 12:30

 

 

 

 

 

Catalog Description:

The psychology of organizations and their effect on individuals and groups.  Topics include motivation theory, power and authority, communication, teamwork, leadership, job design and organizational structures.  Other issues include globalization, cultural diversity, ethics and technology. 

 

 

Text(s):

Now Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni

The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes & Barry Posner

 

 

Course Objectives:

In order to balance knowledge of theory and practice, the course in Organizational Behavior seeks to achieve the following objectives:

 

·         To introduce students to the fundamental principles of human behavior in organizations.

·         To develop skills in the management of individuals and teams;

·         To analyze specific organizations and determine the effectiveness with which they manage people;

·         To demonstrate understanding of the theoretical and practical principles of Organizational Behavior in written exams;

·         To improve communication skills through team-based activities;

·         To challenge students to integrate ethics and values into their understanding of management;

·         To help students develop and practice a set of management skills that will benefit them both now and in their future careers.

 

 

Teaching Philosophy:

Upper division management courses should provide students with grounding in the historical principles of management thought as well as exposure to contemporary management research and practice.  Class time is an opportunity to apply, analyze, and critique information acquired through independent reading.  Learning is a function of research, debate, application, and analysis. 

 

 

 

Course Methods:

My instructional method in this course is based on the following assumptions:

 

·         Working adults bring practical experience to the classroom that is the most valuable learning tool available;

·         as adult students, you are capable of acquiring new knowledge independently;

·         as individuals pursuing an advanced degree, you are strongly motivated to integrate your existing knowledge with new ideas from other contexts, including independent research;

·         as experienced professionals you understand the fundamentals of giving presentations, conducting independent research, and using computer technologies.

 

Based on these assumptions, you are expected to come to class prepared to discuss course concepts and engage fully in team-based activities.  To that end, we will spend a considerable amount of class time solving problems in group discussions.   My input will consist of short lectures, leading and facilitating class discussions and exercises, and clarifying concepts as indicated by the discussions.

 

 

 

Americans with Disabilities Act:

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.

 

 

Student Assignments:

You are expected to attend all classes and participate in the learning dialogue that will take place.  Students will complete the following assignments: 

 

§         There will be an examination each week on the previous week’s material.  The exam will start at 8:15 and end at 9:15.  You will not be given extra time to finish unless you make PREVIOUS arrangements with me.  The exams collectively are 60% of the final grade.  

§         You will keep a notebook on course materials consisting of:

1.        copies of your self-assessment results.  

2.        notes and comments on class discussions.

3.        weekly reflection on how material discussed affects your job/work environment.

§         Class time will consist primarily of in-class discussions, group analysis, and short presentations. 

§         Each student will write a 10-15 page paper (double spaced, 12 point TNR font, 1” margins) and deliver a do a 10 minute presentation on a topic of your choosing.  You must select your topic by week three.

§         Each student will start the term with 100 extra-credit points for attendance.  You lose 50 points for each absence

 

 

Grading

Grades will be based on the following scale:

Category

Points

Overall Scale

Exams

600

92% or higher

A

Paper

100

84% up to 92%

B

Presentation

100

76% up to 84%

C

Notebook

100

68% up to 76%

D

TOTAL

100%

Less than 68%

F

 

 

Attendance:

This course meets only 8 times.  Each absence is equivalent to missing a week under the previous system and nearly 4 weeks under the traditional 16 week system.  As a result, it is MANDATORY that you attend class.

 

Any student who misses two class periods FOR ANY REASON will receive an F for the course.  If you know that you will miss to classes you will need to drop this course and take it at a time when you do not have to miss class.


 

 

 

Schedule

 

 
Sessions

Readings/Assignments

August 22

Introduction – Individual Differences

Complete Surveys

29

Perception & Learning

Now Discover Your Strengths

Reflection #1

Handout

September 5

Motivation/Job Design

Reflection #2

Handout

12

Teams

5 Dysfunctions of a Team

Reflection #3

19

Culture

Reflection #4

Handout

26

Leadership

The Leadership Challenge

Reflection #5

October 3

Stress & Organizational Structure

Reflection 6

Handout

October 10

Student Presentations

 

 

Possible Research Topics

 

1.

Virtual Teams

2.

Impression Management

3.

Realistic Job Previews

4.

Skill Based Pay Systems

5.

Attribution Theory

6.

Charismatic Leadership

7.

Group Decision Making Techniques

8.

Drug Testing in the Workplace

9.

Diversity Training

10.

Team Building Techniques

11.

Corporate Citizenship/Voluntarism

12.

The OD Profession

13.

Effect of Mergers and Acquisitions on Employee Morale

14.

Distributive Justice

15.

Procedural Justice

16.

Privacy and the World Wide Web

17.

Corporate Culture

18.

Sexual Harrassment/Hostile Work Environment