Such behavior is the basis for the wide-spread failure of internal control systems. An ability to recognize and deal with defensive behavior, both on one's own part and the part of others, not only increases managerial effectiveness but provides the personal foundation for continuous learning, growth and development. Problems analyzed include issues of motivation, information and decision-making, the allocation of decision rights, performance measurement systems, organizational and personal rewards and punishments, corporate financial policy, and governance. We apply the analysis to organizational change accomplished through, restructuring, leveraged recapitalizations, leveraged buyouts, takeovers, downsizing, exit, and reengineering. Journal articles, articles from the business press, cases, and discussion problems are the basis for class discussion.
Cases form the basis for about one-third of the class discussions.
The final exam consists of short essay questions.