OVERVIEW

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of various organizational theories. It aims to present, discuss, and critique notable theories, emphasizing their application and limitations in addressing a wide range of organizational problems. Students will engage in critical analysis and practical application of theories related to coordination, decision-making, goal-setting, organizational structure, and more.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The goal of this course is to present, discuss and criticize a number of outstanding organizational theories, enlightening their value and their limits in the framing process of a wide range of organizational problems. Students are expected to develop critical understanding of organization theories and their use in the framing process of a wide range of organizational problems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The primary aim of this course is to develop students' ability to critically assess and apply various organizational theories. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify key organizational challenges, apply relevant theories to these challenges, and evaluate the efficacy of these theories in practical scenarios. This course also aims to enhance students' critical thinking and analytical skills.

PREREQUISITES

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, a basic understanding of management principles and organizational behavior is recommended to fully grasp the course material.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching methods for this course include interactive lectures, student presentations, and seminar-style discussions. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions, present their viewpoints, and engage with the course material through pre-class readings and written assignments. The course is designed to foster a collaborative learning environment where different perspectives are explored and debated.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities  and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Serena Scotto (scotto@economia.unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course covers the following topics: Scientific Management, Administrative Management, Functionalism, Contingency Theory, James Thompson's theories, Herbert Simon’s bounded rationality, James March’s garbage can model, Karl Weick’s sensemaking, New Institutionalism, and more. Each theory will be analyzed in terms of its foundational concepts, epistemological orientation, and heuristic power.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Attending students are required to read selected articles and papers available on AULAWEB.  

For non-attending students, the following chapters from Derek S. Pugh's "Organization Theory: Selected Classic Readings" are mandatory: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30. These readings provide a foundational understanding of key organizational theories discussed in the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester

From Feb 2024

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Course grades for attending students are based on both weekly assignments (required), and attendance to class and active contribution to class discussions (required). If the assignment and attendance evaluation is solid, students get a final grade /30. If assignment and attendance evaluation is weak, students are required to take an oral exam at the end of the semester. If assignment and attendance evaluation is very weak, the course is failed and students are required to take a written exam at the end of the semester, which consistes of six open questions on the course material.

Non attending students take a written exam which consistes of six open questions on the reccomended reading (Derek S. Pugh's "Organization Theory: Selected Classic Readings" chapters: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30.)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For attending students, assessment for this course is based on the following components: Written Assignments (students are required to submit short outlines of seminar discussions both before and after each seminar); Class Participation (active participation in class discussions is crucial. Students must come prepared, having read the assigned texts, and engage in meaningful dialogue);  A final oral/written exam tests students' knowledge of the course material and their ability to critically apply organizational theories. 

Non-attending students will have a written examination covering specified chapters from Derek S. Pugh's "Organization Theory: Selected Classic Readings": 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For any additional information regarding the course, students can contact Prof. Angelo Gasparre via email at angelo.gasparre@unige.it or by phone at 010 209 5579. Course materials, including reading assignments and lecture notes, will be available on AULAWEB. Students are encouraged to regularly check the course page for updates and announcements.