Fall semester 2007, 9:30 TTh, SH 207
Instructor, Dr. Mike Sharp      
Office: SH308; Ph. (918) 456-5511, X3530; E-Mail, sharp@nsuok.edu
Hours: 8:00 TTh, 10:00-12:00 MWF, and by arrangement

REQUIRED TEXTS:

The required texts for this course are  Organization Theory: A Public Perspective by Gortner, Mahler and Nicholson and Classics of Organizational Theory by Shafritz and Ott.  Supplemental readings will be assigned throughout the course.
 

COURSE FORMAT:

This course is designed to examine organization theory and its relevance to public administrators.  There is no single "theory of organization" but rather a body of theory relating to organizational development and behavior.  Examining this body of theory will enable us to better understand human activity in an organizational environment from a theoretical perspective.  We can then link the theoretical perspective to the day-to-day problems faced by both public and private organizational administrators.  This class is designed, and will be conducted, in such a manner as to maximize student participation.  To this end, individual assignments will be given regularly for the purpose of focusing upon a particular concept or theory for general discussion.  In addition to the text assignments listed below, there will be a liberal sprinkling of supplemental readings which will aid in emphasizing or illustrating a particular problem, situation, or concept.
 

GRADING:

Grades will be determined from three essay exams given during the semester, class participation, and two article reviews from Classics of Organization Theory or some other approved source.  Each article review should be at least two typewritten, double spaced pages with a short presentation of the article review presented to the class.   Each exam will be weighted equally and the writing assignment will carry a weight equal to one exam.  Two of the exams will be given during the course of the semester; the final will be given on Thursday, December 13 at 9:00 am.  While content and analysis are important in the development of any writing/presentation assignment, proper structure and format for writing college term papers or reports must not be overlooked.
 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations please advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended.
 

 READING ASSIGNMENTS
 
The general format of the course and reading assignments will follow Organizational Theory: A Public Perspective as outlined below.
 
Chapter 1  Varieties of Organizational Research and Theory
             2  Bureaus are Different
             3  The Pivotal Controversies
                    Review guide for first exam
             4  Organization Structure and Design
             5  Communication
             6  Bureaucratic Control
             7  Organizational Decision Making 
                    Review guide for second exam
             8  Leadership and Management in Public Organizations
             9  Work Motivation
           10  Organization Change and Development
                    Review guide for final exam

Selected readings from Classics of Organizational Theory will be integrated into the above general topics and supplemental readings will be assigned as appropriate in conjunction with the material being covered.