Public Administration: Org Theory & Behavior

Examination of basic classical and contemporary theory, research on human relations, internal structures, environments, types, diverse workplaces, general properties of complex organizations and bureaucracies.

Open to degree and PACE students

The comprehensive understanding of organizational behavior, leadership and development is imperative in any study of public administration, public policy, and leadership. This course provides students with the chance to explore the intricacies of human interaction and collaboration within entities dedicated to public or nonprofit missions. It involves a thorough examination of both classical and contemporary literature, facilitating the application of perspectives gleaned from these readings to real-life organizational situations. By adopting a "systems thinking" approach, the course will underscore the importance of comprehending how organizations are structured, with interconnected systems that possess the ability to adapt, learn, and evolve.

This course combines lecture and discussion formats as well as guest speakers. By the end of this course students will be able to: a.) understand classical and contemporary organizational theory and behavior, b.) be able to apply these theories to practice, c.) learn the fundamentals of leading and managing organizations, d.) possess an ability to diagnose and affect change within an organization, and e.) understand how gender, race, class, ethnicity and other forms of diversity dimensions influence organizations.

Students will be evaluated based on class participation, assignments including written work, presentations, project(s) and exams.