OREGON MPH PROGRAM
H536 Healthcare Organization Theory and Behavior (OSU)
Fall Term, Instructor: Friedman
PA 541 Organizational Behavior in Health Services Organizations (PSU)
Fall Term, Instructor: Gelmon
Course Description
This course provides an overview of organization theory and behavior in health services organizations. The emphasis is on
developing an understanding of the factors and forces that influence the structures, behaviors and operations of health services
organizations. This understanding will be developed through consideration of organizations, their environments, and the roles of
individuals working in management.
Competency Table
Track Competency
Referenced
HMP Track #1.
Conceptualize, analyze, and
resolve problems related to
health services delivery and
finance.
HMP Track #2. Identify and
apply economic, financial,
legal, organizational,
political, and ethical theories
and frameworks.
Course Competency
Related Components
Explain the linkage of
classical organization
theory to modern
management practice in
health services
organizations
 Describe the key theoretical
frameworks of organization
theory
 Diagnose fundamental problems
in health services delivery using
organizational theory techniques
 Make recommendations for
problem resolution
Apply ideas, concepts
and theories of
organization design to
analyze health services
organizations
 Assess and apply models of
organizational structure
 Distinguish among classical
perspectives of organizational
behavior
 Apply appropriate perspectives
to conduct an organizational
analysis
Learning Activities
Lecture
Required reading
Class/group discussion
In-class exercises
Web and literature searches
Analyze literature for
content and application
Conduct an organizational
analysis
Lecture
Required reading
Class/group discussion
In-class exercises
Web and literature searches
Analyze literature for
content and application
Conduct an organizational
analysis
Competency
Demonstrations
Preparation of a written
organizational analysis
Verbal presentation of
organizational analysis
Critique of journal article
Class participation
Short written assignment
Preparation of a written
organizational analysis
Verbal presentation of
organizational analysis
Critique of journal article
Class participation
Short written assignment
HMP Track #4. Establish
and manage systems and
processes to assess
organizational performance
for continuous improvement
of quality, safety, and
effectiveness.
HMP Track #5. Act ethically
and professionally, and be
responsive to community
variations in cultures and
sociodemographics.
 Use tools to conduct
organizational assessment
 Develop plans for organizational
performance improvement
 Identify barriers to
organizational change
Distinguish barriers to
 Compare and contrast methods
organizational change
to overcome resistance to change
and identify methods to  Articulate a plan for
overcome resistance to
implementing change process in
change.
multiple settings
Use concepts and theories  Assess organizational culture and
of organization behavior
apply theoretical frameworks
to understand variations  Distinguish relevant applications
in diverse cultures,
of ethical codes of conduct
communities and
 Explore cultural norms and
organizations.
assumptions related to
management practice in diverse
settings
Explore the multiple
methods by which
organizational
performance is assessed
and improved.
 Describe the nature of
managerial roles at all levels of
management
 Distinguish between
management and leadership
 Explore multiple managerial and
leadership styles
 Conduct a leadership selfassessment
HMP Track #6. Lead in all
levels of public and private
health services organizations.
Examine the role of
leadership in health
service organizations.
HMP Track #7.
Communicate, solve
problems and make decisions
related to health policy and
management in the public and
private sectors.
Develop or improve skills  Work in teams
in team performance,
 Develop skills in team
problem-solving and
functioning
decision-making.
 Practice group communication
skills
Practice methods to
Lecture
Required reading
Class/group discussion
In-class exercises
Web and literature searches
Analyze literature for
content and application
Conduct an organizational
analysis
Preparation of a written
organizational analysis
Verbal presentation of
organizational analysis
Critique of journal article
Class participation
Short written assignment
Lecture
Required reading
Class/group discussion
In-class exercises
Web and literature searches
Analyze literature for
content and application
Conduct an organizational
analysis
Lecture
Required reading
Class/group discussion
In-class exercises
Web and literature searches
Analyze literature for
content and application
Conduct an organizational
analysis
Leadership self-assessment
Lecture
Required reading
Class/group discussion
In-class exercises
Conduct an organizational
analysis
Preparation of a written
organizational analysis
Verbal presentation of
organizational analysis
Critique of journal article
Class participation
Short written assignment
Preparation of a written
organizational analysis
Verbal presentation of
organizational analysis
Critique of journal article
Class participation
Short written assignment
Preparation of a written
organizational analysis
Verbal presentation of
organizational analysis
Class participation
Short written assignment
enhance personal and
small group
communication.
 Develop group problem-solving
and decision-making skills
 Enhance individual
conversational and written
communication skills
Team activities