TROY UNIVERSITY
MASTER SYLLABUS
SORRELL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
MSM 6610
Theories of Organizational Behavior
Prerequisites
Graduate standing. Admission into the MSM degree program.
Description
This course is the study of theories and concepts of individual leaders and group behaviors
within organizations. The course examines important behavioral processes, including learning,
perception, attitudinal structuring, values, motivation, communication, conflict, quality, and
social reinforcement. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of these processes to individual and
group performance and their implications for leadership and decision-making. This course is the
research component of the MSM degree and must be completed with a grade of “B” or higher.
Student Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Explain the concept of an organization’s corporate culture, including its value system, and
its effects on the behavior of individuals and groups in organizations.
2. Describe major personality, power, attitude, and needs theories as they relate to individual
behavior within organizations.
3. Assess communication processes between individuals and within organizations.
4. Examine group/team processes and group dynamics within organizations.
5. Evaluate sources of conflict and alterative approaches to conflict management.
6. Define and demonstrate how various leadership and motivational models may be used to
improve productivity and job satisfaction within organizations.
7. Demonstrate how the different aspects or organizational behavior (e.g., attitudes, decisionmaking, motivational theory, etc.) can positively and negatively impact business objectives
within an organization.
8. Examine the impacts of social systems and social cultures (e.g., diversity and impact of
culture) within organizations.
Master Syllabi are developed by the senior faculty in each business discipline. This Master Syllabus must be used as the basis for developing the
instructor syllabus for this course, which must also comply with the content specifications outlined in the Troy University Faculty Handbook.
The objectives included on this Master Syllabus must be included among the objectives on the instructor’s syllabus, which may expand upon the
same as the instructor sees fit. The statement of purpose seeks to position the course properly within the curriculum and should be consulted by
faculty as a source of advisement guidance. Specific choice of text and other details are further subject to Program Coordinator guidance.
1 August 2009
Master Syllabus: MSM 6610
2
Purpose
To provide an understanding of how interaction among individuals and groups affects the
performance of business organizations. This course covers the concepts, logic, methodology, and
terms used by practitioners in the field of organizational behavior. It also presents the latest
developments in the field and addresses research patterns and trends in organizational behavior.
A research paper with APA style references and citations is required. MSM core course.
Approved Texts
Bauer, T. & Erdogan, B. (2010). Organizational Behavior V1.1. Flat World Knowledge.
Available from http://catalog.flatworldknowledge.com/catalog/editions/145
Gibson, J. L., Ivancevich, J. M., Donnelly, J. H., & Konopaske, R. (2006 or current).
Organizations: Behavior, structure, processes (12th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
Kreitner, R., & Kinicki, A. (2008 or current). Organizational behavior (6th ed.). Boston, MA:
McGraw-Hill.
INSTRUCTORS: Please check with the Department Chair for the current
required reading that is needed in addition to the text.
Supplements
Maidment, F. H. (2002 or current). Annual editions: Organizational behavior 02/03 (3rd ed.).
Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
Current APA style manual
Troy University Faculty Handbook (2010): Section 3.9.2.8 [extract] — essential elements of the syllabus (somewhat modified for space):
1. Course title
2. Course number +
section
3. Term
4. Instructor
5. Prerequisites
6. Office hours
7. Class days, times
8. Classroom
location
9. Office location +
e-mail address
10. Office telephone
11. Course
description,
objectives
12. Text(s)
13. Other materials
14. Grading methods, 16. General supports
criterion weights,
(computer works,
make-up policy,
writing center)
mid-term grade
17. Daily assignments,
reports
holidays, add/drop
15. Procedure, course
& open dates, dead
requirements
day, final exam
18. ADA statement
19. Electronic device
statement
20. Additional
services,
statements
21. Absence policy
22. Incomplete-work
policy
23. Cheating policy
24. Specialization
requirements
(certification,
licensure, teacher
competencies)