JASMINE TATA, PH.D.

Associate Professor of Management, Loyola University Chicago

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Professor: Jasmine Tata

SYLLABUS

This course will provide you with a comprehensive exposure to research and practices in the field of organizational behavior. The main objectives of the course are:

(1) to help you understand organizational behavior theory and phenomena from different perspectives

(2) to help you critically evaluate organizational concepts and ideas you encounter

(3) to help you apply this knowledge to management practice through the diagnostic approach.

The course is designed so that the concepts covered in the readings are reviewed in class through a combination of lectures, class discussions and case studies. Your ability to learn during this course will depend upon your understanding of the text and readings, an open and active participation during class, and your thoughtfulness in preparing for class.

TEXT

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Robbins, S. P. TBA

Ancona, D., Kochan, T., Scully, M., Van Maanen, J., & Westney, D. E. 1999. Managing for the future. (Module 7) Cincinnati, OH: Southwestern/ITP

Class handouts (articles and cases).

Please bring the texts to every class -- you will not be able to participate in class activities and discussions without them.

Your course grade will be based on the following criteria:

Presentation workshop . . . . . .

Midterm examination . . . . . .

Final examination (or term paper option) . . .

PRESENTATION WORKSHOP

Teams of 4-6 students will work together to develop a workshop around one of the topics of organizational behavior listed in the schedule (p. 6). Each team will present/demonstrate the topic/issue in a creative manner (e.g., skits/role plays, debates, videos, large/small group discussions, assessments/inventories, cases, overheads, worksheets, class activities, etc.). In your planning for the workshop, you are expected to have read the readings thoroughly, and include any additional material (articles from academic and practitioner journals, books, etc.) that you have identified. If you wish, you may distribute copies of additional readings to class members one week before the day you will be covering the material. You are also expected to hand in a copy of the outline of your workshop for instructor feedback in session 5.

During the workshop you will effectively train the participants (class members) in a set of skills. The purpose of the workshop is to practice and convey organizational behavior competencies and management skills, and encourage creativity. All team members must participate in the workshop. The workshops should be approximately 20 minutes long and will be given during the second halves of sessions 6-9 -- your workshop date will depend on the topic that you plan to present.

The workshop should not follow the format of each team member presenting a sub-topic, and should not consist of lecture with slides.

Workshops will be graded based on the following criteria:

1. Connection to theory and concepts from text, lecture and outside research. (Does it demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic? Does it demonstrate good research?)

2. Creativity of workshop and communication style (Is the content and format unique (or is it simply a lecture/slide format? Is the workshop effective? Clear? )

3. Class interaction during workshop. (Does the entire class interact verbally or otherwise throughout the workshop?)

4. Overall integration of workshop. (Does it appear to be a team workshop, or a series of individual workshops? Do team members individually present sub-topics?)

MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAMINATION

There will be two examinations on the dates specified in the weekly schedule. These will be in-class exams testing your knowledge of material from the texts, readings, lectures, and class discussions. Exams will consist of objective questions and short essays (examples of concepts and mini case studies). Brief reviews will be given for both exams.

You are expected to be present in class for the examinations. Please remember that make-up examinations will not be given.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS & CLASS PARTICIPATION

To further help you in your learning, you will be required to submit 1 written question at the start of any two class sessions between sessions 2 and 9 (please keep a copy of the questions for your own records). The questions should be based on the readings for that week and may serve as the basis for class discussion. The questions may consist of theoretical integration, methodological criticism, connection of concepts to applications and your experience, or articles related to the class topic. Each question should be reasonably well thought out (i.e., not based on a light reading). You may be asked to discuss your questions in class. Note that these questions are especially important if you miss a class.

You can contribute to class learning and your own understanding by an openness to new ideas and a willingness to share your thoughts with others in the class. You will be expected to demonstrate that you have seriously read and considered the assigned readings by participating during class meetings. For the most part, this participation will consist of a discussion of issues raised by the readings. You may also bring up examples from your own experience in organizations and from your reading of the business press.

Grading. Although there are no grades assigned for discussion questions and participation, missed classes, incomplete assignments, inadequate preparation for cases, and low contribution to class discussion will decrease your overall class grade.

I expect you to:

* Attend every class for the full meeting period, since you cannot contribute to class learning unless you are present.

* Read the assigned material and complete your home-work assignments. The text material will not be repeated verbatim during class.

* Be prepared to actively participate in class exercises and discussions (very important).

* Respect the opinions of others in the class, and help your class-mates.

* No video or audio recording in the classroom without advance permission of instructor.

The instructor reserves the right to revise this syllabus, class schedule and course requirements when such revisions will benefit the achievement of course goals and objectives. Requirements may be amended during the quarter which would vary the total points possible, their distribution, and/or the final grade points. Changes will be announced verbally in class.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE (Organizational Behavior)