OVERVIEW

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the main organizational theories, emphasizing their application and limitations in addressing a wide range of organizational problems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The goal of this course is to present, discuss and criticize the main 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

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- Identify key organizational challenges in real or simulated case studies, using appropriate terminology;
- Apply relevant organizational theories to specific organizational problems presented during lectures or assignments, justifying the theoretical choice;
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of organizational theories in practical scenarios proposed by the instructor, arguing strengths and weaknesses;
- Develop critical and analytical thinking skills in the analysis of organizational cases.

PREREQUISITES

No specific prerequisites are required. However, a basic knowledge of management principles and organizational behavior is recommended to fully understand the course material.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching methods include interactive lectures, student presentations, and seminar-style discussions. Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Students are encouraged to actively participate in discussions, present their viewpoints, and engage critically with the course material through pre-class readings and weekly written assignments. The course is designed to foster a collaborative learning environment and the exploration and debate of different perspectives.

Students with certification of disability, DSA or special educational needs should contact, at the beginning of the course, both the instructor and the Department’s disability liaison, to agree on teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the objectives of the teaching unit, take into account individual learning methods and allow the use of compensatory tools if needed.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course addresses a selection of classical contributions to organization studies, through the reading and discussion of foundational texts by authors such as Taylor, Fayol, Simon, Parsons, Berger & Luckmann, Lawrence & Lorsch, Weick, Thompson, March, Cohen & Olsen, DiMaggio & Powell. The theories are presented and analyzed with reference to their key concepts, epistemological assumptions, and interpretive capacity in relation to organizational issues. Topics include: scientific management, sociological and symbolic approaches, differentiation and integration in complex systems, sensemaking, bounded rationality, decision-making processes, and neo-institutionalism.

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" (fifth edition) 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

Lessons start in the second semester. The updated schedule will be available on the UniGe website: https://easyacademy.unige.it

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Course grades for attending students are based on weekly assignments, attendance to class and active contribution to class discussions. If the assignment and attendance evaluation is positive, students receive a final grade. If the evaluation is insufficient, students are required to take an oral or written exam at the end of the semester, consisting of six open questions on the course material.

Non-attending students take a written exam consisting of six open questions on the following 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, and 30.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For attending students, assessment is based on weekly written assignments, active participation in class discussions (students must have read the assigned texts and actively engage in classroom debate), and, if necessary, a final oral or written exam that tests knowledge of the course material and the 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.

For each learning outcome, assessment is carried out through: written assignments (clarity of exposition, use of terminology, analytical skills), participation (argumentation and discussion skills), final exam (ability to critically apply theories).

FURTHER INFORMATION

The lecturer analyzed and considered the results of the teaching evaluation questionnaires relating to the previous academic year. For updates, supplementary materials, and summaries of changes following student feedback, students are invited to regularly check the Aulaweb course page.