COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LIST FOR POLI 357: ORGANIZATION THEORY

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LIST: FIRST SEMESTER, 2014/2015

POLI 357: ORGANIZATION THEORY

LECTURER: DR EVANS AGGREY-DARKOH

LECTURE TIME: FRIDAY, 7.30AM-9.25AM                  VENUE: JQB 14

TELEPHONE: 0246951164                                                  E-MAIL: aggreydarkoh@ug.edu.gh

COURSE OUTLINE AND READINGS

COURSE TITLE	ORGANIZATION THEORY
COURSE CODE	POLI 357
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES	The course examines the theories that help explain the functioning of organizations. It examines these theories in the context of the make-up of organizations, behavior of individuals and groups in organizations and the ensuing dynamics. The course also discusses the environment within which organizations function and its impact on their operations and the processes that drive performance in organizations. Within this environment are the political dynamic that have great influence on organizational performance. It is important for students to know that even though the course is premised on the theories of organizations, the delivery is backed by practical explanations and experiences. At the end of the course, students are expected to: Explain organization theory and examine the practical application of the discipline Discuss the utility of the Scientific Management Theory Outline the contributions of human Relations Theory Examine the contribution of environmental variables to the growth and development of organizations Explain the behavior of individuals in organizations  Account for the role of groups and teams in organizations Examine the role of power and politics in decision making in organizations
WEEK NO.	DATE	LECTURE TOPIC	TUTORIALS	VENUE	ASSESSMENT
1	12-09-14	Understanding Organization Theory		JQB 14
2	19-09-14	Understanding Organization Theory		JQB 14
3	26-09-14	The Scientific Management Theory		JQB 14
4	03-10-14	The Human Relations Theory		JQB 14
5	10-10-14	The Human Relations Theory		JQB 14
6	17-10-14	Individual Behavior in Organization		JQB 14
7	24-10-14	The Environment of Organizations		JQB 14	Interim Assessment (30%)
8	31-10-14	The Environment of Organizations		JQB 14
9	07-11-14	Groups and Teams		JQB 14
10	14-11-14	Groups and Teams		JQB 14
11	21-11-14	Decision Making, Power, Politics and Conflicts		JQB 14
12	28-11-14	Decision Making, Power, Politics and Conflicts		JQB 14
13	05-12-14	Decision Making, Power, Politics and Conflicts		JQB 14
14	REVISION
15-17	EXAMINATION (70%)

READINGS

• Mary Jo Hatch, Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives, (New York: Oxford University Press, 1997)

• Jay M. Shafritz and J. Steven Ott, Classics of Organization Theory 4^th edition, (California: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1996)

• John M. Ivancevich, Robert Konopaske and Michael T. Matterson, Organizational Behaviour and Management, (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005)

• Michael Armstrong, A Handbook of Human Resource Management, 10^th edition, (London:   Kogan Page, 2006)

• Harold F. Gotner, Juan Mahler and Jeanne Bell Nicholson, Organization Theory: A Public Perspective 2^nd edition, (Orlando: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1997) 

• Luther Gulick, “Notes on the Theory of Organizations”, in Jay M. Shafritz and Albert C. Hyde (eds.), Classics of Public Administration 6^th edition, (Boston: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2007)

• R. Bennette, Organizational Behavior 2^nd edition, (London: Pitman Publishing, 1998)

• Steven J. Ott, Understanding Organisational Culture, in Jay M. Shafritz and Albert C. Hyde (eds.), Classics of Public Administration  6^th dition, (Boston: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2007)

• Nicholson, Organization Theory: A Public Perspective 2^nd edition, (Orlando: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1997)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• There will be thirteen weeks of lectures. Full participation in the lectures is a prerequisite for admission into the final examinations.

• Each student must attend tutorials each week to be organized by tutorial assistants. Students are advised to effectively participate in the discussions. It must be emphasized that tutorials are not second lectures.

• Most of the reading materials exist in the Department of Political Science Library and the Balme Library. Some of the core readings are available in the General Office of the Department of the Political Science, University of Ghana. 

• It is imperative for students to read the literature much more intently in order to identify the hidden truths (read with understanding).

• There will be mid-term and final examinations. The mid-term will be a take home assignment on a question to be given in class after the fifth week of lectures. The assignment will be due on the seventh week and will account for 30% of the overall marks. The final examinations will feature six essay questions out of which students will be required to attempt any three for a total of 70% of the entire marks.