AOS130 Introduction to Organisation Theory

The course addresses fundamental elements of organizational theory, including:

• Different approaches to organization theory
• Application of systems theory to the analysis of organizational functioning
• How complexity affects organizational effectiveness
• Formal versus informal organization
• Organizational structure at corporate and unit level (e.g., departments and teams)
• Definition and improvement of work processes
• Formulation of goals and strategies
• Strategic change
• Decision processes in organizations

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the student:

- will have basic knowledge of topics and issues related to how modern organizations function and are structured.

- will also have knowledge of the history, developmental characteristics, and distinctive nature of organizational theory.

Skills:

After completing the course, the student will:

- Be able to distinguish between the main directions in organizational theory.

- Be able to explain the concept of a formal organization and describe the purpose of organizing, as well as explain the difference between formal and informal organization.

- Be able to explain the concept of organizational structure and describe the different types of structures common in the workplace today, as well as identify the effects these can have on how organizations function.

- Be able to explain concepts such as mission, vision, goals, function, and mandate, provide examples of these concepts, and discuss their application.

- Be able to explain key concepts such as centralization, formalization, specialization and coordination costs

- Be able to explain the key elements of system-theoretic models and the concept of internal organizational complexity

- Be able to explain the significance of an organization’s environment and how it influences the way organizations function.

- Be able to use systematic methods to describe and analyze goals/functions and dependencies among tasks/roles/units in work processes.

General Competence:

After completing the course, the student

- will be able to use their skills to conduct systematic investigations of how organizations function and identify improvement areas

- will be able to identify limitations and opportunities in their own workplace related to organization and organizing

- will be able to communicate about professional issues concerning organizations and organizing, and have developed a critical attitude toward organizational issues.