LEAD 301 - Organization Development Theory, Behavior, and Best Practice

3 credit hours
The purpose of this course is to increase understanding of organizations as complex, adaptive systems. Organizations exist because groups of people can accomplish more collaboratively than individuals working alone. The behavioral complexities involved with collective action give rise to the need for effective leadership and facilitation of group processes. This course will introduce students to proactive ways of meeting the challenges and demands faced by modern organizations. These challenges include creating meaningful learning communities, increasing the use of technology and the virtual workplace, building organizational capacity for sustainable success while facing intense competitive pressures for immediate improvement and results. Students will combine organization theory, organization development, and organizational behavior research to analyze these current issues in organizations. This course incorporates a historical perspective and explores the central theories that have shaped current understanding of how organizations function. Exploring group processes and understanding group dynamics is central to this study of organizational life. The course will integrate the exploration of best practices in organization design and development, in terms of motivation, engagement, performance, problem solving, culture, design, and structure. This course will utilize a variety of learning strategies, including but not limited to assigned readings, videos, case studies, lectures, research and writing, group discussions, and group activities.
Course Delivery Methods: BLD, WEB, ONL, SEL
College: CGPS