Organizational Behavior

This course is a study of behavior in organizations and influences of individual, group, and organizational processes on performance. The course will cover a variety of topics, including the process of making and implementing decisions, effective communication in an organizational environment and the dynamics of office and organizational internal politics. Other concepts dealt with include motivation, solving conflicts, interpersonal communication and creating and maintaining positive organizational cultures and environments.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Describe the various factors that influence organizational behavior, including diversity of backgrounds of the members, emotions, moods, personalities and values

• Identify the factors that can influence the perceptions held by members of an organization and methods by which perception can be altered

• Assist in the development and application of motivational strategies that can be employed to improve performance in an organizational setting

• Distinguish between the different types of organizational communication, including formal, informal, upward, downward and lateral communication and identify strategies for improving communications within organizations

• Compare and contrast leadership and management and determine the characteristics that make successful managers and leaders

• Identify the bases or power within an organization and tactics that can be used within an organization to increase power and influence

• Describe the manner in which organizational culture is established and the characteristics of organizational culture that can improve or hurt organizational performance