MG475 Half Unit
Organisational Theory
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Mariana Bogdanova
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Human Resources and Organisations (Organisational Behaviour). This course is available on the MRes/PhD in Management (Employment Relations and Human Resources) and MSc in Human Resources and Organisations (International Employment Relations and Human Resource Management). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Course content
Organisations exert a central force in contemporary work and society. From the rise of large, machine-like bureaucracies in the 19th century to the flat, networked firms of nowadays, different assemblages of people and technology have produced a rich ecology of organisational forms – multinationals, social enterprise and charities, R&D laboratories etc. Organisational theory examines these multifarious arrangements with respect to their internal and external environment elements and dynamics - e.g. organisational culture and identities, power and politics, inter-organisational collaboration, effect of globalisation on organisational activities etc. The course readings include a selection of classic views and more recent research on organisation theory with the aim of helping students understand organisations as entities, how they influence the life of their members, and how they affect work and society more generally.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the MT. 1 hour and 30 minutes of seminars in the ST.
Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.
Formative coursework
Students will complete a formative assessment using a sample exam question. Details will be provided in class.
Indicative reading
Hatch, M.J., 2018. Organization theory: Modern, symbolic, and postmodern perspectives. Oxford University Press.
Clegg, S.R., Hardy, C. and Nord, W.R., 2003. Handbook of Organization Studies. SAGE Publications Ltd.
Assessment
Exam (65%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Project (35%).
The project is composed of two parts (individual and group work) and is submitted in the MT and the LT.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Management
Total students 2020/21: 51
Average class size 2020/21: 13
Controlled access 2020/21: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Communication
