Students will learn to utilize a systems approach in basic organizational diagnosis. Contingency theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding the impact of the environment on organizational effectiveness and design. This module will help students refine their research question for the project thesis by learning how to conduct a qualitative needs assessment and how to locate and read sources of published information in their topic. In addition, students will have regularly scheduled opportunities to work out their research hypotheses and data collection methods with a small group of faculty and their cohort in preparation for quantitative research. This module is a study of group behavior and how group functioning affects organizational effectiveness.
Emphasis is placed on decision making and resolving conflict in groups.
Students develop strategies for efficient and productive group management and determine which tasks are best handled by groups or individuals. This module focuses on organizational behavior as it relates to individual motivation, productivity, and performance. A secondary emphasis is a focus on effectiveness in interpersonal relationships. Students will develop understanding of theories of motivation and organizational behavior and develop skills in effective interpersonal relationships. Students are shown methods for defining, researching, analyzing, and evaluating a problem they would solve in their work or avocational environment.