OVERVIEW

The course introduces students to the main theories and tools for understanding the structure and functioning of organizations.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at introducing students to the main issues of organizational design and behavior, providing theoretical frameworks and managerial references for organizational analysis and design actions in work environments.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the teaching unit, the student will be able to:

- Recognize the fundamental variables of organizational design and their respective actions in relation to environmental and contextual conditions, analyzing concrete cases presented during the lessons;
- Recognize the fundamental variables of organizational behavior, the behaviors and results expected from the organization, and the main areas that influence them (at different levels: individual, group, organizational), applying this knowledge to proposed situations;

- Independently conduct an organizational analysis on case studies provided by the teacher; suggesting decisions and actions aimed at improving group and organizational performance, and individual well-being in work contexts,
- Use the technical language of the discipline appropriately in the preparation of written assignments and in oral discussion;

- Acquire social skills through group work, actively participating in the proposed collaborative activities.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of Business Economics (mandatory)

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching unit includes lectures and participatory activities (case analysis, exercises, simulations, incidents, role models). Attendance at classes is strongly recommended but not compulsory. Students are encouraged to prepare in advance (reading assignments, watching films, writing short essays) to participate actively. Students with DSA, disabilities or other special educational needs are invited to contact the teacher to agree on personalized teaching methods.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• The organizational problem; organizational schools of thought
• Structural dimensions; mechanical model and organic model
• Organizational structure decisions
• Organizational culture and cultural diversity
• A model of organizational behavior
• Personality and values; Identity
• Perception and decision-making processes
• Motivation of people
• Groups and teamwork
• Organizational knowledge and communication
• Power and Leadership
• Conflict and negotiation processes
• Organizational change

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- G. Salvemini (edited by), Business Organization, Egea, 2017
- R.M. Burton, B. Obel, D.D. Håkonsson, M. Martinez, Organizational Design, Giappichelli, 2020
Additional teaching material (slides, articles, videos) will be made available on AulaWeb.

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

ORGANIZATION DESIGN AND BEHAVIOUR A

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is written. For attending students, the assessment includes midterm tests, individual and group activities, and a final written exam. Non-attending students will take a single final written exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The purpose of the assessment is to verify:
- understanding theoretical knowledge and its application to organizational situations;
- the ability to analyze organizational problems and propose solutions;
- the ability to communicate clearly with appropriate technical language.
The written test may include both closed-ended questions, which test knowledge of basic notions and require direct and concise answers, and open-ended questions, which require argumentation and practical examples.

Attending students may also be assessed on the basis of activities carried out during the course, such as intermediate written tests, short individual or group papers, or other documented contributions. In such cases, the final assessment takes into account both the results achieved in these activities and the written exam test.

Non-attending students take a written test structured on the same skills, with questions that require both theoretical exposition and application to examples or organizational situations.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Working students and students with DSA certification, disabilities or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher of their division at the beginning of the course, in order to agree on specific teaching and exam methods that, in compliance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods.