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
ORG 475
Special Topics: Violence in The Workplace
3 credits
The purpose of this course is to examine the issue of violence from a theoretical and historical perspective. In this course, we will examine the factors that contribute to interpersonal violence and identify populations and settings with potential for risk. Emphasis will be given to the violence continuum, prevention, intervention and resolution for all workplace environments. Students will gain a better understanding of workplace violence through presentations and discussions of case studies and research papers devoted to the theme of the course.
ORG 477
Introduction to Conflict Management
3 credits
This course provides an overview of the theory, practice, techniques, and effectiveness of programs and interventions to manage personal, workplace, organizational, systems, and community conflict. The course will examine the types, scope, and application of conflict resolution within the workplace, family, education, health systems, social services, courts, neighborhoods, law enforcement, retail consumers, and civil lawsuits. Course faculty and guest lecturers from these settings will portray how conflict is assessed and managed. Students will gain an understanding of how to effectively manage conflict and appreciate the role that conflict and its constructive management can have to improve one’s personal, family, work, and community life.
ORG 478
Mediation Skills
3 credits
This course will provide “hands on” training and experiences in behaving as a neutral third-party mediator to facilitate negotiations between and among disputing individuals, groups, and organizations. The course makes extensive use of self-assessment instruments, role playing, simulations, analyses of videos, feedback, and other highly participative methods to explore one’s conscious use of self in behaving in effective ways to manage conflict. Topics include mediation and negotiation theory; integrative negotiations; role of the mediator; stages of the mediation process; framing negotiations; bids and offers; developing options; reaching an agreement; authoring an Agreement; and related topics including dealing with impasse, handling emotions, fairness, ethics, maintaining neutrality, apology, power, confidentiality, and assessing outcomes.
ORG 479
Dimensions of Organizational Conflict
3 credits
This course will examine the theory, range, expression, amelioration, and scope of interventions regarding types of workplace related conflicts including interpersonal, group/team, departmental, organizational, interorganizational, and between the organization and its environment (including stakeholders, funders, unions, customers, competitors, and the public). Topics include conducting a “Conflict Audit”; expression of conflict; culture of conflict; architecture, marketing, and implementing conflict interventions; and evaluation of conflict management initiatives.