Course Description:
This course provides a basic introduction to organizational behavior and theory. The focus will be on concepts and processes in the field of organizational behavior that prescribe various approaches for managers and organizations to effectively achieve their goals and objectives. The overall objective of the course is to increase the students understanding of and ability to apply contemporary organizational behavior knowledge in work situations.

Texts:

• Stephen P. Robbins, Essentials of Organizational Behavior, (8th Ed.) Prentice Hall, 2005
   
• Charles C. Manz, and Henry P. Sims, Jr. The New Super Leadership: Leading Others to Lead Themselves, Berrett-Koehler, 2001.

The Exams will cover material from all learning methods (lectures, readings, discussions, exercises, cases, videos, etc.). They will be based on a "multiple method" format: combining objective, short answer, and essay questions.  The exam will be taken partly as an individual and in teams.

Class Participation:
Is strongly encouraged in this course and will account for 10% of the course grade. Participation includes "O.B. in Action" discussion leadership for a specific course topic, and general individual participation in all class activities and discussions.

Course Project:
Students will be asked to complete a project and write a short paper (maximum of 3 pages typed) summarizing their results. Additional supporting appendices can be attached to the back of the paper such as charts or graphs that display your project results. A one page summary appendix of your individual interview is usually helpful. Briefly, the project will involve application of a course concept or combination of concepts (e.g., self-leadership techniques, reinforcement theory principles) to change your own or to help someone else change their work or personal behavior in a desirable way.

More specifically, the project will involve selection by the student of a topic or concept in the course. The student will then read or study at least two outside references (books, articles, educational tapes, etc.) on this topic. In addition, an individual who the student believes is especially effective in this area or in some other way is expected to be a good learning source, will be identified. The student is asked to interview (talk with) this individual regarding their philosophy, style, strategies, etc. regarding this topic. Then the student is to apply the new insights and knowledge gained from these sources to develop and implement a plan to positively impact his/her own or someone else's (with the other's consent and involvement) behavior a desirable way.

The final summary paper should identify your project objective (e.g., what behavior(s)you attempted to change), the plan and method you used for attempting the change, and the results and your interpretation of your project (e.g., what did you learn?). Your outside learning references and interview data should be identified (e.g., in a bibliography) and used to help interpret your project and to write your paper. Your final project is due December 1st.  A project proposal of a maximum of one page typed summarizing your project objective and plan is due September 27^th.  Projects will be graded primarily on a credit/no credit basis.  However, exceptional projects will be identified as well as projects that receive credit but are considered "below average".

Note:  Mastering Self Leadership 3^nd(Prentice Hall, 2004) can be used as one of the outside references. Many students have found it to be a helpful source for a personal improvement project. See instructor for information on obtaining this book.

Updated: 8/12/2004

Org. Behavior = Essentials of Organizational Behavior  (8th ed.)
SuperLeadership = The New SuperLeadership

E0002-cm/4

This is an official web page of the
Eugene M. Isenberg School of Management
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
121 Presidents Drive
Amherst, MA 01003