BGMT 640.50: Organizational Behavior

The ability to understand, predict, and improve the performance of employees and organizations is key in today's business environment.This course focuses on some of the "soft skills" that are necessary to manage human actions in organizations.We will study the individual aspects related to organizational behavior (including self-awareness, personalities, individual differences, motivation, and perspectives) as well as delving into the group and organizational aspects, (including conflict, communication, networks, culture, and organizational structure).A particular focus will be on interpersonal skills and the development of personal strategies.Students are required to review the theories involved in the study of organizations and the people within (through readings and research) so that the focus of the course can be on learning to apply those theories and concepts to real situations (through observations, in-class discussions, and exercises/activities).Application of the theories and concepts will also include managerial skill development through self-assessments and practice exercises. COURSE AND LEARNING EXPECTATIONSThis course is designed to build on students' functional understanding of organizational behavior and also to give students a foundation in management skills.Students are expected to demonstrate communication skills, ethical decision making, and professionalism in the classroom environment.Positive contribution to class discussions is required.Students are expected to complete the readings and other preparations, including any self-surveys PRIOR to class.Students will find that the lectures, discussion materials, and exercises supplement the readings instead of serving as a review of the material covered in the readings.As such, students are expected to diligently complete the readings and be prepared to ask questions regarding any materials that they do not understand.The expectation is to have a highly interactive learning environment. COURSE LEARNING GOALSA year (or more) after this course is over, the instructor wants and hopes that students who have taken this course will:• Practice and use management skills developed in this course,• Understand themselves and their colleagues more,