COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LISTS - POLI 357:ORGANIZATION THEORY

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES

FIRST SEMESTER, 2017/2018

COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LIST

LECTURER: DR. EVANS AGGREY-DARKOH

EMAIL: eaggrey-darkoh@ug.edu.gh

COURSE OUTLINE AND READINGS

COURSE TITLE	ORGANISATION THEORY
COURSE CODE	POLI 357
CREDITS	3
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES	Organizations have been an integral feature of human civilization for thousands of years. Organization theory is an evidence-based, sociological approach to organizations that allows managers to analyse and design organizations more effectively. Organization theory also allows us to understand the social forces that affect our own careers in a more accurate and nuanced way. This course emphasizes the practical applications of organization theory in topics that are essential to organizational success, including organizational structure and culture, organizational environment, change management, and power and influence. Throughout the course, we will also consider the lessons and implications that organization theory offers for individuals’ careers. In fine, this course is about ideas and practices that can make or break organizations and careers. Thus, this course is relevant to students considering careers in a wide range of fields, including (but not limited to) Corporate Management, Strategy and Management Consulting, Human Resource, Entrepreneurship, Finance and Law.
WEEK NO.	DATE	LECTURE TOPIC	TUTORIALS	VENUE	ASSESSMENT
1	24/8/2017	General Overview		JQB 9
2	31/9/2017	Understanding Organization Theory		JQB 9
3	7/9/2017	Theories of Organization		JQB 9
4	14/9/2017	Theories of Organization		JQB 9
5	21/9/2017	Formal Organizational Structure		JQB 9
6	28/9/2017	Informal Organizational Structure		JQB 9
7	5/10/2017	Organizational Culture and Diversity		JQB 9	Interim Assessment (30%)
8	12/10/2017	Organizational Culture and Diversity		JQB 9
9	19/10/2017	The Environment of organizations		JQB 9
10	26/10/2017	The Environment of Organizations		JQB 9
11	2/11/2017	Decision Making in Organizations		JQB 9
12	9/11/2016	Decision Making in Organizations		JQB 9
13	16/11/2016	Power and Conflict.		JQB 9
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)
• Michael Armstrong, A Handbook of Human Resource Management, 10^th edition, (London:   Kogan Page, 2006)
• Steven J. Ott, Understanding Organisational Culture, in Jay M. Shafritz and Albert C. Hyde (eds.), Classics of Public Administration  6^thdition, (Boston: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2007)
• Nicholson, Organization Theory: A Public Perspective 2^nd edition, (Orlando: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1997)

Course Requirements

Students are expected to complete all assigned readings, fully participate in class and complete interim assessments and final examinations. Both assessment and final examinations will be in class; may include multiple choice, short answers and/ or essay questions.

Methods of Instruction

Lectures

In-Class participation

Readings

Completion of assignments

Final Examination

Final exam will cover the entire course.  Readings, lectures, and guest speakers.

Attendance/Participation/Preparation

There will be thirteen weeks of lectures. Full participation in the lectures is a prerequisite for admission into the final examinations. Class attendance is mandatory. Unexcused absence would lead to deduction of grades and there would be no make up for unexcused absence from class.

Tutorials

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.

Readings

Students are required to do the assigned reading before class, take notes and be ready to participate in class discussion. Classes revolve around discussion led by the course instructor and students are expected to raise issues that arise from the assigned readings.

Students are responsible to confirm all assignments are received by their instructor. This includes assignments submitted electronically or left on the instructor's desk or mailbox when the instructor is not present.

Disability Policy

Every effort will be made to accommodate students with disabilities or special learning needs. If you have a documented disability, your instructor will have been notified so that arrangements can be made early in the term.

Academic Honesty Policy

Be reminded of UG Plagiarism Policy (Refer to UG Public Affairs Website). Meanwhile be informed that plagiarism, cheating, submitting work of another person or work previously used and other forms of academic dishonesty will lead to lowered course grades, failure of the course or more severe measures, depending on judgments of the gravity of the individual case.

Statement on Audio and Video Recording

Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law. This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may have been given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should know that their comments during class may be recorded.

Grading

Mid-Term Assessment = 30%

Final Examination        =70%

Total                             = 100%