Course Descriptions

Organizational Dynamics


ORG 301
Survey of Organizational Dynamics
3 credits

This course reviews the factors that demonstrate how organizations interact with their stakeholders: employees, government leaders, clients, and the community. It also explores the attitudes and behaviors of individuals and groups in organizations with a focus on change in the workplace. Theories of cooperation, conflict, and innovation are discussed.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 and PSY 101


ORG 302
Psychology of Leadership
3 credits

Effective leadership is essential to a free society, and an understanding of effective leadership behaviors and traits prepares students for cultivating and honing their own leadership styles. Effective leadership requires the ability to attract followers and motivate them to put forth their best efforts in solving problems. The psychology of leadership behaviors will analyze the leadership behaviors of well-known leaders, evaluate leadership behaviors according to societal values, and synthesize leadership theory into a personal leadership philosophy and action plan. Borrowing from many disciplines, this course will examine the impact of psychological needs and leadership influence. This highly interactive course will use reflection, self-assessments, and simulation scenarios to reflect on effective leadership behaviors and develop leadership skills in students.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 and PSY 101


ORG 311
Organizational Behavior, Change, and Development
3 credits

The success and survival of any organization depends on the ability to adapt to change. This course reviews the challenges inherent in overcoming people’s resistance to change as a key factor and determinant of organizational effectiveness. Topics will include incremental change and quantum change. Strategic planning and change process will be discussed. Organizational development techniques will be viewed as effective tools for getting people to adapt to change. Projects will include case studies, role playing, and group discussions.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or PSY 101


ORG 402
Applied Organizational Research
3 credits

This course is the capstone for the Organizational Dynamics Fusion program and is designed to provide a foundation in the application of research methods in organizational settings. As a project-focused course, students will construct a high quality, applied research project that can be used to inform organizational policy and/or decision making. This course is appropriate for students studying organizational dynamics or other related fields and seeking greater understanding of applied organizational research. Examples of some of the topics to be covered in this course are: the philosophical basis of science - deciphering truth from fiction; organizational research techniques and tools; construction and implementation of organizational surveys; construction and implementation of organizational focus group research practices; quantitative versus qualitative research; report writing; research-based decision making, etc.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101, SOC 101, SOC 331


ORG 408
Culture of the Workplace
3 credits

General patterns of beliefs, expectations, and values that influence workplace cultural behavior will be discussed. Organizational cultural behavior will be presented as the cognitive framework that consists of assumptions and values that are shared by the organization members. Issues of diversity and multiculturalism will be included.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 and PSY 101


ORG 433
Theoretical View of Organizational Systems
3 credits

This course is designed to explore the prevailing theoretical perspectives that guide the behavior of humans and the organizational systems in which they participate. The practical knowledge and skills necessary to create and lead high performance organizations are examined.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 and PSY 101


ORG 444
Organizational Justice, Ethics, and Social Responsibility
3 credits

This course reviews the multifaceted concept of justice and the variety of questions that are raised in organizational settings. Fairness is discussed in the context of organizational justice. Ethical workplace behavior and social responsibility of organizations will be reviewed. Students will develop and resolve ethical dilemmas of the workplace that affect individual and group values.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or PSY 101