Knowledge objectives

• Understand the evolution of organizational thought and its division into three main categories of perpectives on organizations. 
• Understand the difference between the three most comprehensive perspectives on organizations
• Understand how the evolution of organization theory is associated with broader technological and structural societal conditions

Skills

• Explain the difference between the open, natural, and rational perspective and describe the development of organizational theory through these perspectives
• Apply multiple perspectives on central organizational problem areas and assess the limitations of each perspective

General competence objectives

• Understand basic principles for analyzing organizations on the basis of multiple perspectives
• Acquire a platform for learning in other courses, particularly within the fields of organization and management

Main textbook:

Scott, W. R. & G. F. Davis (2007/2015): Organizations and Organizing. Rational, Natural, and Open Systems Perspectives. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Kap 1-5, 6 (s 144-146), 7 (s. 152-155), 9-10 og 13 (s. 340-354)

In addition, several articles and book chapters will be made available through Canvas.

Participation in group assignments is obligatory. The group assignments include presentations of sentral parts of the required readings through a Powerpoint presentation in class.

Work in groups occurs almost every day of the course.

The group assignments must be approved by the instructor in order for the student to take the final exam.

Approved group assignment is valid until the next time the course is offered.