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Bowie State University of the University System of Maryland

MGMT 511: Organizational Behavior

Term IV 2000/2001

David R. J. Kenyatta, JD, Ph.D.- Lecturer

[Email: dkenyatt@ed.umuc.ed/; DrKenyatta@compuserve.com]

Tentative

Course Description: This course investigates individuals and groups and the dynamics of how they behave and interact within formal organizations. You will become acquainted with the major conceptual models which purport to explain such organizational behaviors as decision making, motivations, communication, leadership, power and politics, conflict negotiation, and stress management, to name a few. You will acquire an understanding of the methods used to study organizations, and will analyze some of the research that has been produced. While the emphasis is placed on critical analysis of literature that deals with "what is," some attention is given to views about "what should be" so people can get maximum satisfaction and benefits from organizational activity.

Required Texts:

Robbins, Stephen P. Organizational Behavior (9^th Ed.). Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2001.

Ott, J. Steven. Classic Readings in Organizational Behavior (2^nd Ed.). Harcourt Brace, Orlando, Fl, 1996.

Additional Readings will be assigned periodically.

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Define and explain the value of the systematic study of Organizational Behavior.
2. Summarize how learning theories provide insights into changing behavior.
3. Distinguish between the four schedules of reinforcement.
4. Outline the six steps in the rational decision making model.
5. Describe the actions of the bounded rational decision-maker.
6. Describe four styles of decision making.
7. Define heuristics and explain how they bias decisions.
8. Summarize the relationship between attitudes and behavior.
9. Outline the major theories of motivation.
10. Survey the major influences of group behavior and group dynamics.
11. Explore the nature of the communication process.
12. Review the similarities and differences between management and leadership.
13. Define the four bases of power.
14. Apply said objectives to real world situations.

 Course Requirements:

1. Participation is expected throughout the class. Participants should be fully prepared to discuss the assigned readings from the commencement of the designated week. Participation in class discussions is mandatory, not voluntary. This component will be assessed at 10% of the final grade.

2. Three Papers:

• A short two-page paper exploring the nature of reality as defined by a popular movie of 1939 or 1999. This paper will be valued at 5% of the final grade and will be due on Sunday morning of the second weekend session.
• A five-page paper summarizing the dynamics of the group project assigned early in the term. This will be valued at 10% of the final grade and will be due on the 8^th of April 2001.
• A written case report of no less than 15 pages (excluding cover page and references) on a topic to be agreed upon between student and instructor and consistent with published standards. This item will be valued at 30% of the final grade and will be due on the last day of class

3. One Exam, a combination of short answers and essays, to be administered the final weekend of class valued at 35% of the final grade.

4. A presentation of the case report, to be given to the class the final day of class and valued at 10% of your final grade.

 READING ASSIGNMENTS: Schedule

Unit	Dates	Topics	Chapter/Assignments
1	24/25 March	Overview Introduction Individual Behavior Individual Perception Motivation Individual Behavior Values and Attitudes Job Satisfaction	Robbins- Chapters 1,2,3,4,5,6,7   Ott- Chapters 1,2,3,4,6,8,29,31,9,27,33
2	7/8 April [will be rescheduled]	Group Behavior Communication Leadership Power Conflict, Negotiations, etc.	Robbins- 8,9,10,11,12,13 Ott- 23,24,26,15,16,17,20,21,3435 First Paper Due
3	28/29 April	Organizational Systems Human Resource Management Organizational Culture	Robbins- 14,15,16, and 17, 18 Ott- 36,37,38,39,40,35 (again),41,43 and 44 Second Paper Due
4	12/13 May	Application of Subject Matter Catch-Up, Wrap-Up	Third Paper Due Exam Presentations

R Organizational Behavior

O Classics Readings in Organizational Behavior

Note: Additional Readings will be assigned as the need arises.

Grades

86-100	A
76-85	B
70-75	C
Below 69	F

 

Please be prepared to answer the following questions during the introductory phase of our class.

A. About You

1. Who are you (Please provide at least a name and a name by which you wish to be addressed in class)?
2. Where are you (Where are you physically located)?
3. Why are you (What defines your essence, your very being)?
4. When are you (When are you at your best and/or worst)?
5. What gives you pleasure (Remember that you are being recorded)?
6. Why are you taking this course (Please be honest, as modifications in both course content and direction may result from the responses received)?
7. What class or instructor produced the best feelings about a classroom experience and why?
8. What is your favorite movie and why?
9. What do you know and how do you know it?
10. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF THIS CLASS (besides a grade of "A")?

B. Please provide information about your academic background including:

1. Your undergraduate Institution (City and State Address as well);
2. Your Major and any minors;
3. Your favorite course and why;
4. If you could start over again, what would you change about your academic experiences?

Office Hours: The instructor will be available at all times by email and phone. He will also meet with students either before or after classtime.

Instructor Profile: David R. J. Kenyatta- AB, College of the Holy Cross- Psychology; MA, The Ohio State University- Student Personnel Work and Counseling Psychology; MS, The Pennsylvania State University- Organizational Behavior; Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University- Higher Education; JD, University of Baltimore- Labor and Employment Law. Member of the Baltimore, Maryland and American Bar Associations. Has worked in a variety of academic and student affairs positions within higher education for the past 20 years, including financial aid director, housing coordinator, assistant dean of a business and management school and assistant professor of management and counseling. Has extensive background in substance abuse counseling and human resource development training. Areas of professional interest: includes policies that affect labor and employment practices in higher education institutions; system construction in non-profit organizations, and organizational dynamics. Avid movie, television, and Shakespearean buff. Also enjoys mystery writers, particularly the works of Sue Rogers Cooper, Agatha Christie, James Patterson, and Robert Parker.