Theories of Organization

This course provides an introduction and understanding of organization theories and its empirical application in the public sector. The course will consist of two parts. The first part of the course will highlight approaches to organization theory—classical, neo-classical, and modern—based on the works of most influential authors and contemporary issues in organizational studies. The second part, which will be organised post-midterm examination, will discuss principles in designing organization structure, human interaction and environment perspective in organizational structuring, variety/types of organizational structure, dynamics of organizational change and organization performance. This course will facilitate the students to study the course topics more thoroughly by performing group tasks consisting of reading activities, critical analysis, and group presentation. At the end of this course, students will be able to: (1) identify influential authors and explain their works in organization theory; (2) understand the development of organizational theories; (3) understand basic principles and contributions of major organization theories to current organizational studies and organizational development; (4) understand principles and techniques in designing organization structure; and (5) understand the dynamics of organizational change and performance.