SYLLABUS
BSNS 6210 - Organizational Behavior (MBA)
Semester II – Spring, 2006
Mondays
Location: Forum
Professor: Dr. Rebecca A. Haskett
Office: Hardacre Hall Room 214
Office Hours: By Appointment
Telephone: (765) 641 - 4367
Email: bahaskett@anderson.edu
Course Description:
Organizational behavior
is a field of study in business that has grown out of the traditional social
sciences. It is a field that strives to
understand, explain, predict, and influence or change human behavior as it
occurs within an organizational context.
It is a field of study that focuses on observable behaviors and internal
mental states. Organizational behavior
studies the behavior of people both as individuals and as members of groups and
organizations; it also analyzes the attitudes and behaviors of groups and
organizations. Through the systematic
study of these attitudes and behaviors, our goals are to develop the ability
to: (1) predict the behavior of
others; (2) explain why a particular behavior occurs; and (3) through
predictions and explanation, influence individual, group and organizational
behavioral outcomes.
Required Texts:
Champoux, Joseph E.
(2006). Organizational Behavior:
Integrating Individuals, Groups and Organizations, 3rd Edition,Thompson
South-Western Publishing ISBN: 0-324-32079-5
Haskett, R. &
Neidert, D. (2006). Metamorphosis: Developing Your Emotional Intelligence for a
Successful Life & Effective Relationships. (Workbook to be purchased in first class session
- $10).
Course Evaluation: Exam
A mid-term exam will be
given on the date indicated on the course schedule. The exam will be take-home format. Students will be expected to integrate
relevant material from their reading and class discussion/lecture within their
answers. The exam is an individual, not
group, assignment and should not be discussed with other students. If a student has a legitimate reason for not
taking the exam on the scheduled date, and that student notifies the professor prior
to the exam, the student may take a make-up exam composed solely at the
discretion of the professor. The exam is
worth 30% of your final grade.
Course Evaluation:
Reflection Papers
Students will be required
to submit three Reflection Papers. Each
Reflection Paper should be typed, double-spaced, and 2-3 pages in length.
Each paper should address
two issues:
1)
A 2-3
paragraph response to the critical thinking question listed below for each
date.
2)
A summary of
your progress and reflections/discoveries from completing the assigned sections
of the Metamorphosis workbook.
Schedule:
Paper
1: Jan. 30th - “Heredity determines personality.” (a) Build an argument to support this
statement. (b) Build an argument against
this statement. Metamorphosis workbook –
Sections 1 & 2
Paper
2: March 27th – Why and how should a manager increase
conflict? Metamorphosis workbook -
Section 3
Paper
3: April 17th - Can leadership effectiveness be
taught/learned, or are great leaders “natural born” leaders? Explain and support your argument. Metamorphosis workbook - Section 4 and
attach completed Self-Awareness Profile and Personal Growth Plan.
The three papers are
worth 10% each for a total of 30% of your final grade.
Course Evaluation: Participation
Prior to each class
session, students should read assigned chapters in textbook and prepare notes
to facilitate discussion of Review and Discussion Questions listed at
the end of each chapter. Students will
randomly be selected to provide their views and lead discussion of the
questions.
Class attendance and
student participation is considered vital to the learning experience of the
student. While the instructor
understands the unique needs, responsibilities, and schedules of adult
students, students will be expected to meet and participate in class
discussion, exercises, and class experiences.
Participation is worth 20% of your final grade.
Course Evaluation: Presentation
Each
student will be involved in a small group 10-15 minute presentation related to one of the following
assignment choices (a sign-up sheet will be circulated in class):
Choice
1: Read a book from the Recommended
Reading section of the Metamorphosis workbook and present a Book
Review/Critique to the class.
Choice
2: Conduct an informational interview
with an Org. Behavior professional and provide the class with an overview of
their goals, methods, and future plans for their organization. What assessments or training programs are
they using? What levels of employees are
involved, etc.?
Presentations
will be worth 20% of your final grade.
Policy:
All assignments should be
submitted at the beginning of class, rather than by e-mail, if possible. Assignments will not be accepted late, unless
previous arrangements have been made.
Late assignments will be penalized 10% for each day past the due date.
Grade Composition
Mid-term Exam 30%
Reflection Papers (3 @
10% each) 30%
Participation 20%
Presentation 20%
Final Grades
Final grades will be
assigned on the following scale:
A 94 - 100
A- 90 - 93
B+ 87 - 89
B 83 - 86
B- 80 - 82
C+ 77 - 79
C 70 - 76
D 60 - 69
F 0 - 59
Course Schedule (Subject to Change)
Date Topic Champoux
Text
Chapter
Jan. 9 Intro
to Organization Behavior & Self 1 & 2
Awareness Project
16 Culture & Socialization 4 & 6
23 Perception, Attitudes, and Personality 5
30 Perception, Attitudes, and Personality 5
Reflection Paper 1 – Due
Feb. 6 Motivation 7
13 Motivation 8
20 Rewards 9
Mar. 1 Mid-term Exam
6
Group Behavior & Decision
Making 10
& 14
13 SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
20 MBA JOINT SESSION at
27 Conflict 11
Reflection Paper 2 - Due
Apr. 3 Leadership
and Management 12
10 Communication 13
17 Power
& Stress 15 & 16
Reflection Paper 3 - Due
24 Final
Session 5:30-9:30 p.m. -
Presentations & Self-Awareness Highlights