This course is designed to provide an overview of systems thinking, beginning with an examination of linear vs. systemic thinking, and a historical perspective of systems. This course covers the classic, fundamental, and current issues in management. Historical models of management theory are presented, and contemporary models are investigated. Social culture, effectiveness and efficiency, and emotional intelligence are included in the discussions. Many of the principles of systems thinking have come from the psychology of family therapy, so organizational development can be informed by a study of the dynamics within families.
Learners explore concepts of family systems and then make applications to organizational life.
2 credits . Explanation of the capstone process will take place, along with a dialog regarding possible capstone topics. Learners discuss the concepts of the learning organization and organizational anxiety. Various tools are given for identifying patterns of behavior, such as archetypes, BOT graphs, causal-loop diagrams, and triangles. 4 credits .