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SOC 351

Effective Action in Complex Organizations
SOC 351 SP

Not Currently Offered

Most people work in complex organizations--schools, corporations, state bureaucracies, hospitals. Everyone must deal with these or similar bureaucratic organizations. Bureaucracies invoke fear and frequently breed frustration. Like Max Weber, we see them as an iron cage. This course is designed to dispel fears through knowledge and overcome frustrations through training in skills of effective action. The ideal outcome of the course is for participants to become more confident and sympathetic consultants to an organizational setting with which they are currently involved. There will be both academic and practical components. Students will be offered a basic introduction to the social scientific literature on organizational process, including selected readings from Goffman, Kanter, Perrow, Minzberg, Pfiffer, and Argyris. Ideas will be tested through practical, in-class training in effectiveness skills. Topics covered will include the effects of language, gender, self-presentation, tactic and strategy, and action theory on effective action.

MAJOR READINGS

Donald Schoen, THE REFLECTIVE PRACTITIONER
Rosabeth Kanter, THE CHANGE MASTERS
Charles Perrow, COMPLEX ORGANIZATIONS
and selections.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Case study practicum; one or two papers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Full participation. Course open only to those able and willing to bring current or near current experience with work in organizations. Summer job, political action group, or University committee work experience normally will be acceptable.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Practicum

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999




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