Organizational Theory, Design and Change
A university course taught at Swedish universities covering the scope of Organizational Theory.
Organizational Theory, Design and Change free download
A university course taught at Swedish universities covering the scope of Organizational Theory.
Master Organizational Dynamics, Structure, and Effective Change Management
Why do some companies have hundreds of managers while others barely have a few? And why does it sometimes feel like nothing ever changes in the corporate world?
Welcome to Organizational Theory, Design, and Change — a comprehensive course exploring why organizations operate the way they do. Contrary to common belief, corporate structures and organizational cultures do not evolve spontaneously. Instead, they are carefully shaped by decades of research, organizational behavior theories, and practical experimentation.
In this course, you'll explore how power, hierarchy, and organizational structure types influence daily team operations, why bureaucracy exists — and if it's as negative as commonly perceived. We’ll investigate how organizations are born, develop, and eventually decline, and you'll gain valuable insights into why companies fear revolutionary change.
Whether your goal is to improve team performance, better understand managerial decisions, or prepare for a leadership position, this course provides a clear, actionable framework to comprehend organizational dynamics, structure, and effective change management.
Course Structure:
Chapter 1: Introduction to Organizational Theory
We begin with the basics. What is an organization? Why do organizations exist, and what roles do people, rules, and structures play within them? We explore how organizations create value, the factors influencing their efficiency, and why some thrive while others fail. You’ll learn precisely what organizational theory is and how it enhances our understanding of company operations.
Chapter 2: Organizational Stakeholders
Organizations operate within a network of stakeholders whose interests often conflict. Who are these stakeholders, and how can their expectations be balanced effectively? We explore agency theory and the agency problem arising between managers and company owners.
Chapter 3: The Organizational Environment
Discover how organizations survive in turbulent, uncertain environments. We examine resource dependence theory and transaction cost theory, highlighting why organizations prefer outsourcing or in-house production.
Chapter 4: Key Challenges in Organizational Design
Explore critical organizational design principles: How should power be distributed? When should a company be centralized or decentralized? You’ll explore mechanistic versus organic structures and understand why different businesses need tailored organizational design models.
Chapter 5: Authority and Control
Investigate the rationale behind complex hierarchies, extensive management layers, and the pros and cons of bureaucracy. Understand Parkinson’s Law and its implications on organizational efficiency.
Chapter 6: Organizational Structures
Analyze various organizational structure types, including functional, divisional, hybrid, and network structures, determining the ideal conditions for each model.
Chapter 7: Organizational Change
Master effective change management strategies by understanding why companies resist change and how to address this resistance. Explore evolutionary and revolutionary change approaches, employing Lewin’s and Kotter’s organizational change models to facilitate smooth transitions.
Chapter 8: The Organizational Life Cycle
Examine how organizations are born, grow, stagnate, and decline. Learn about critical organizational growth models, significant risks companies face, and strategies for navigating these challenges successfully.
Chapter 9: Organizational Decision-Making
Discover why decision-making in organizations can be complex and sometimes irrational. Critically assess decision-making models, recognize common cognitive biases, and learn techniques to enhance decision-making effectiveness.
Our expert instructor will guide you through each concept, ensuring you gain not just theoretical knowledge, but practical skills you can apply immediately in your professional life. By the end of this comprehensive course, you'll be prepared to navigate the complexities of modern organizational life, drive effective change, and make informed decisions that propel organizations toward success.
Enroll now to master the fundamentals and strategies of organizational theory, design, and effective change management, preparing yourself to navigate complex organizational challenges successfully.
