Argosy University
COURSE SYLLABUS
IO6302
Organizational Theory and Design
Faculty Information
Faculty Name: Robert Gramillano Ed.D. (ABD)
Campus: Chicago, IL
Contact Information:
Email: gramillano@yahoo.com
Office Hours: 1 hour before class – location to be determined.
Faculty Bio: Robert Gramillano, Ed.D. (ABD), MBA, MCSA, CEC, CEIC Certified Empowerment and Emotional Intelligence Coach
Robert Gramillano is a Certified Executive Coach with a personal coaching practice (see: www.chicago-coach.com), a corporate
coaching partnership (see: www.interludecoaching.com) and has been teaching graduate and undergraduate college courses in
Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Career Development, Management, Marketing, Organizational Behavior and
Psychology at several academic institutions downtown Chicago for the past six years.
Robert applies a creative and innovative approach to coach and inspire people to live rich and fulfilling lives by exploring new
avenues toward transformation. He seeks to make a difference in clients and student's lives by sharing experiences from a diverse,
international career in academic and business settings.
Always learning, Robert is currently studying for a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University and also
conducting experiential research in the field of Shamanism to offer a spiritual component in his work.
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Course description:
This course examines how individuals create and maintain complex organizations to accomplish important missions. Students will
explore human organizations and the perspective of classical organizational theory with emphasis on organizational efficiency,
organizational adaptability and each of the additional perspectives (learning, cultural, political, collective unconscious, organizational
change, and exploitation/social responsibility) While this course analyzes organizations from a classical, structural, rational, and
bureaucratic perspective, greater emphasis will be placed on exploring the contradictions and paradoxes inherent in all human
organizations. To enhance organizational effectiveness, students will learn how to help organizations address such issues as the impact
of external systems on internal organizational systems, resistance to learning and limited single loop learning, unexplored cultural
values, unhealthy political conflicts, multicultural incompetence, and corporate psychopathology. In learning how to help
organizations address these often hidden issues, students will be better prepared to help their future client organizations undergo the
difficult process of transformation.
Required textbook:
Morgan, G. (2006). Images of organization. Sage Publications. ISBN-10: 1412939798
Recommended reading:
Ford, C. & Gioia, D. (1995). Creative Action in Organizations. Sage Publications. ISBN 0-8039-5350-X
Course length: 7.5 Weeks
Contact Hours: 45 Hours
Credit Value: 3.0
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Program Outcomes:
1. Knowledge & Understanding of the Field of Industrial Organizational Psychology: Demonstrate an understanding of industrial
organizational psychology that integrates the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, applications, historical
trends, and key figures in the field.
2. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving in the Field of Industrial Organizational Psychology: Given an organizational issue,
integrate and use techniques from business and the behavioral sciences to evaluate potential problems, diagnose possible causes,
and develop and defend appropriate courses of action utilizing the theoretical foundations and current research in the
industrial/organizational field.
3. Apply Industrial Organizational Research & Assessment Practices: Given an industrial organizational objective, select, integrate
and apply appropriate research methods, assessment instruments, statistical analyses, needs assessment techniques, program
evaluation methods, job evaluation methods, and personnel evaluation methods to strategies designed to obtain the objective.
4. Knowledge of Industrial Organizational Behavior, Development, & Change Strategies: Given an organization’s target for
development or change, analyze organizational and work behavior in relation to the target, evaluate the need for and influences of
change on the organization and organizational members, and apply appropriate models, theories, and principles to facilitate
healthy change and development.
5. Competency in Ethics as They Apply to Industrial Organizational Practices: When establishing strategies to address organizational
objectives, identify relevant ethical standards from the fields of business and the behavioral sciences, evaluate the potential for
ethical dilemmas or violations, and make evidence-based decisions that integrate and incorporate personal, social, and corporate
responsibility.
6. Competency in Diversity as it Applies to Industrial Organizational Practices: Analyze and evaluate how diversity influences
industrial organizational issues, and develop change strategies that demonstrate an appreciation of how diversity influences
individuals and groups within the organization.
7. Competency in Oral & Written Communication: Communicate orally and in writing to individuals and groups using appropriate
formats and technology in a manner that is professional, concise, clear, organized, well supported, and relevant to the context.
8. Demonstrate Competency in Assessing and Modifying Motivation & Performance Issues: When planning and implementing
strategies that pertain to industrial organizational performance, identify relevant motivational and performance issues, and apply
appropriate motivational, training, and coaching models and principles to the strategies.
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Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Identify, explain, and evaluate the key concepts within eight theoretical perspectives for examining organizations using metaphors
to describe the organization: (1) Classical Organizational Theory (Organization as a Machine), (2) Systems Theory (Organization
as an Organism in an Ecosystem), (3) The Learning Organization (Organization as a Brain), (4) Organizational Culture
(Organization as a Cultural Entity), (5) Organizational Politics (Organization as a Political Entity), (6) Collective Unconscious and
Irrational Organizational Behaviors (Organization as a Psychic Prison), (7) Organizational Change (Organization as a
Transformational Process), and (8) Exploitation and Social Responsibility (Organization as a Source of Power, Privilege, and
Domination). (Program Outcome 1).
2. Identify activities, events, and decisions that occur in an organizational setting and apply them to the above theoretical
perspectives. (Program Outcome 2).
3. Apply the theoretical perspectives to a case study of an organization to identify organizational strengths and weaknesses.
(Program Outcomes 3).
4. Apply the theoretical perspectives to diagnose organizational problems and to generate creative solutions that enhance
organizational effectiveness and the well being of organizational members. (Program Outcome 4).
5. Identify organizational decisions and actions that are destructive to the health and welfare of organizational members and the
wider community and examine alternative solutions that guide organizations to change practices to promote the well being of their
members as well as the wider community. (Program Outcome 5).
6. Examine how organizations use its power to either stifle or encourage different cultural voices. (Program Outcome 6).
7. Assess the problems, ambiguities, and complexities that emerge when trying to organize diverse people to achieve multiple
organizational missions. (Program Outcome 7).
Assignments Table:
Outcome 1. Eight Journal Entries. For each module, the student will select a single organization to study for the entire session. It is
preferable if the student has some knowledge and access to his or her chosen organization. The student can choose the organization for
which he or she works or another organization (for example, place of worship, partner’s workplace, a local business, a union, etc.).
Each week the student will examine his or her organization through the lens of the theoretical perspective (i.e., organizational
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metaphor) we are studying that week. The student will then describe the organization in his or her journal. Each student will be
evaluated on three dimensions: (1) his or her ability to integrate the ideas from the readings with his or her real life organization, (2)
his or her writing ability, and (3) turning in assignments in a timely manner. This course outcome ties into course objectives 1, 2, 3, 6,
and 7.
Outcome 2. Participation in Eight Discussions. For each module, students will participate in a discussion. Using the theoretical
perspective for that week, the student will tell the class how his or her organization (the one selected for the journal entries) might be
improved. His or her fellow students will then weigh in with suggestions. Each student will be evaluated on three dimensions: (1)
how fully he or she participates in each week’s discussion, (2) his or her ability to integrate the ideas from the readings to the real life
organizations being discussed, and (3) his or her ability to communicate in a constructive manner with peers. This course outcome
ties into course objectives 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
1
2
3
Topics
 Classical
Organizational Theory
 Bureaucracy
 Scientific management
 Division of labor
 Span of control
 Unity of command
 Systems Theory
 Organizational
environments
 Open and closed
systems
 Survival
 Homeostasis
 Adaptation
 The Learning
Organization
Readings
Morgan Chapters
1&2
Assignments
1. Journal Entry One: Using classical organizational theory, describe your
organization through the lens of the machine metaphor.
2. Discussion One: Through classical organizational theory (the lens of the
machine metaphor), how might your organization and those of your peers be
improved?
Morgan Chapter 3 1. Journal Entry One: Using systems theory, describe your organization
through the lens of the organismic metaphor.
2. Discussion One: Through systems theory (the lens of the organismic
metaphor), how might your organization and those of your peers be
improved?
Morgan Chapter 4 1. Journal Entry One: Using the perspective of the learning organization,
describe your organization through the lens of the brain metaphor.
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2. Discussion One: Through the perspective of the learning organization (the
Single and double loop
lens of the brain metaphor), how might your organization and those of your
learning
peers be improved?
Information processing
Bounded rationality
Defense mechanisms
Organizational Culture Morgan Chapter 5 1. Journal Entry One: Using the perspective of organizational culture, describe
your organization through the lens of the culture metaphor.
Role of founders
2.
Discussion
One: Through the perspective of organizational culture (the lens
Myths
of
the
culture
metaphor), how might your organization and those of your
Symbols
peers be improved?
Norms
Rites
Rituals
Acculturation
Values
Shared reality
Organizational Politics Morgan Chapter 6 1. Journal Entry One: Using the perspective of organizational politics, describe
your organization through the lens of the political metaphor.
Formal and informal
2. Discussion One: Through the perspective of organizational politics (the lens
power
of the political metaphor), how might your organization and those of your
Coalitions
peers be improved?
Pluralism
Conflicting goals
Collective Unconscious Morgan Chapter 7 1. Journal Entry One: Using the perspective of the collective unconscious,
describe your organization through the lens of the psychic prison metaphor.
and Irrational
2. Discussion One: Through the perspective of the collective unconscious (the
Organizational
lens of the psychic prison metaphor), how might your organization and
Behaviors
those of your peers be improved?
The role of the
collective unconscious
The shadow side
Eros and thanatos,
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Irrational behavior
Organizational Change
Egocentrism
Resistance
Innovation
Chaos and Complexity
Systemic wisdom
Exploitation and Social
Responsibility
Corporate
psychopathology
Social dominance
Class
Control
Globalization
Good citizenship
Morgan Chapter 8 1. Journal Entry One: Using the perspective of organizational change, describe
your organization through the lens of the transformation metaphor.
2. Discussion One: Through the perspective of organizational change (the lens
of the transformation metaphor), how might your organization and those of
your peers be improved?
Morgan Chapters
9, 10 & 11
1. Journal Entry One: Using the perspective of exploitation and social
responsibility, describe your organization through the lens of the power,
privilege, and domination metaphor.
2. Discussion One: Through the perspective of exploitation and social
responsibility (the lens of the power, privilege, and domination metaphor),
how might your organization and those of your peers be improved?
Grading Criteria
Grading Scale
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CF
100 – 93
92 – 90
89 – 88
87 – 83
82 – 80
79 – 78
77 - 73
72 – 70
59 and below
Grading requirements
Participation in
Class Discussions
Journal Entries
50%
50%
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Policies:
Homework, papers, weekly assignments, etc. are expected to be turned in on the assigned dates. There will be a penalty for
materials handed in late without a legitimate, documented reason.
All materials you turn in should be well-organized, clearly indicating your full name, the assignment, the date, and any other
relevant information. Save either an electronic or hard copy of all materials you turn in.
APA format is expected for all written assignments (Title page, correct in-text citations, margins, running head, etc., and a
reference list in correct APA format). A quick and useful resource on APA format may be found at
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ . A rubric for evaluation of written assignments is attached.
Respectful behavior is expected in the classroom. Use of electronic media other than for class activities will not be tolerated.
How to be successful in this class:
Read the assigned materials before class, read the materials again, take notes, and think critically about the issues and topics
presented.
Attend class, participate actively and respect others in the classroom.
Turn in well-organized and complete materials on time.
Talk to me if you are having difficulties.
Attendance: Due to the condensed schedule of this class, students are expected to arrive on time and attend all class meetings. You
should plan on no more than one necessary absence. Two absences will result in an automatic reduction of one letter grade, and more
than two absences will result in an "F" for the course as this will be more than 33% absence from the class. If you know you may need
to miss a class for emergency reasons, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. Also, documentation of the emergency will
be required for an excused absence.
If you do not believe you will be able to attend as required, please consider Withdrawing from the class (see Withdrawal deadlines).
Incompletes: As per the Argosy University Academic Catalog, grades of Incomplete are given only at the instructor's discretion. In
order to qualify for an Incomplete, in addition to the instructor's agreement, you will need to have attended at least 67% of class
meetings. Incompletes that allow for a 10-day extension beyond the end of the current term are those which are most appropriate, if
approved at all. In order to have a grade of Incomplete, a written contract between the instructor and the student specifying why the I
is justified, the grade if given at the end of the class, the requirements still left to be completed, the due dates for such assignments,
and the possible grades that may be received for these additional assignments (e.g., there may be a late penalty). This signed contract
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needs to be filed with the campus Registrar when the grade of I is given. If the assignments are not completed in the time noted on the
contract, the instructor will file a change of grade form indicating the grade the person will be receiving for the class (i.e., the grade
that would have been received at the end of the regular class time or an automatic "F," per the contract drawn up when the I was
given).
All resources in Argosy University’s online collection are available through the Internet. The campus librarian will provide students
with links, user IDs, and passwords.
Library Resources: Argosy University’s core online collection features nearly 21,000 full-text journals and 23,000 electronic books
and other content covering all academic subject areas including Business & Economics, Career & General Education, Computers,
Engineering & Applied Science, Humanities, Science, Medicine & Allied Health, and Social & Behavior Sciences. Many titles are
directly accessible through the Online Public Access Catalog at http://library.argosy.edu. Detailed descriptions of online resources are
located at http://library.argosy.edu/misc/onlinedblist.html.
In addition to online resources, Argosy University’s onsite collections contain a wealth of subject-specific research materials
searchable in the Online Public Access Catalog. Catalog searching is easily limited to individual campus collections. Alternatively,
students can search combined collections of all Argosy University Libraries. Students are encouraged to seek research and reference
assistance from campus librarians.
Information Literacy: Argosy University’s Information Literacy Tutorial was developed to teach students fundamental and
transferable research skills. The tutorial consists of five modules where students learn to select sources appropriate for academic-level
research, search periodical indexes and search engines, and evaluate and cite information. In the tutorial, students study concepts and
practice them through interactions. At the conclusion of each module, they can test their comprehension and receive immediate
feedback. Each module takes less than 20 minutes to complete. Please view the tutorial at http://library.argosy.edu/infolit/
Academic Policies
Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism: In an effort to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity during the learning process, Argosy University
requires that the submission of all course assignments represent the original work produced by that student. All sources must be
documented through normal scholarly references/citations and all work must be submitted using the Publication Manual of the
American Psychological Association, 5th Edition (2001). Washington DC: American Psychological Association (APA) format. Please
refer to Appendix A in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition for thesis and paper format.
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Students are encouraged to purchase this manual (required in some courses) and become familiar with its content as well as consult
the Argosy University catalog for further information regarding academic dishonesty and plagiarism.
Scholarly writing: The faculty at Argosy University is dedicated to providing a learning environment that supports scholarly and
ethical writing, free from academic dishonesty and plagiarism. This includes the proper and appropriate referencing of all sources.
You may be asked to submit your course assignments through “Turnitin,” (www.turnitin.com), an online resource established to help
educators develop writing/research skills and detect potential cases of academic dishonesty. Turnitin compares submitted papers to
billions of pages of content and provides a comparison report to your instructor. This comparison detects papers that share common
information and duplicative language.
Americans with Disabilities Act Policy
It is the policy of Argosy University to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities, in accordance with
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a student with disabilities needs accommodations, the student must notify the Director
of Student Services. Procedures for documenting student disability and the development of reasonable accommodations will be
provided to the student upon request.
Students will be notified by the Director of Student Services when each request for accommodation is approved or denied in writing
via a designated form. To receive accommodation in class, it is the student’s responsibility to present the form (at his or her
discretion) to the instructor. In an effort to protect student privacy, the Department of Student Services will not discuss the
accommodation needs of any student with instructors. Faculty may not make accommodations for individuals who have not been
approved in this manner.
The Argosy University Statement Regarding Diversity
Argosy University prepares students to serve populations with diverse social, ethnic, economic, and educational experiences. Both the
academic and training curricula are designed to provide an environment in which students can develop the skills and attitudes essential
to working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
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