Copenhagen, Denmark

Organization Theory

NB: DATE TBA

The study of organization and organizing becomes increasingly relevant as the organizational world today is characterized by many and profound changes caused by new technology, globalization, increased competition and new ideas about management. Such changes call for more flexible organizational designs, new managerial strategies and new ways of defining, monitoring and assessing the performance of the organization. The course focuses on work organizations, both business organizations (private firms) and organizations within the public sector. Organization theory is an interdisciplinary field and the course draws on perspectives from different social science disciplines. Both, the so-called rational and natural theories are covered in the course and a number of perspectives, from the more classical such as Scientific Management and Human Relations to more recent approaches such as Open Systems and Chaordic Systems are discussed. Other views such as Social Constructionism, Psychodynamics and the Requisite Organization are also explored. Various aspects of organizations such as structure, processes and culture are covered.



A central theme of the course is organizational structure, in other words, how work in an organization is divided into jobs, departments and hierarchical levels and how coordinated effort is achieved. A number of structural forms are discussed as well as how in particular, organizational strategy, size, technology and environment influence the structure of an organization. A special theme concerns the choice between market and hierarchy in coordination of economic activity. This leads to a discussion of mergers and acquisitions, outsourcing, virtual organization and hybrids between market and hierarchy such as strategic alliances and networks. Informal structure and group dynamics are also touched upon together with organizational culture comprising the values and basic assumptions of organizational members. Other themes concern organizational processes where decisions, power, leadership and motivation are the most important. Both rational, bounded rational, political and anarchic decision models are presented and power processes in organizations are discussed. Perspectives on leadership are outlined and leadership behavior and styles, value based leadership and contingency theories on leadership and change management are covered. Motivation and incentives in organizations are also essential themes where the relative significance of economic and non-economic motivations in particular is discussed. Both classical motivation theories and later content and process theories are part of the course as are the concept and function of performance related pay.



In essence, a number of ways of thinking are presented in the course which should enable the economist to think and reflect in a more professional way about the organizational contexts in which she/he will make a career. Organization theory has broad practical and vocational relevance, both for students aspiring for managerial and administrative positions in existing organizations as well as for those interested in starting their own venture.

Target group

Bachelor/Master

Course aim

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge:

•Describe the basic principles of classical and contemporary organizational theories about structure, strategy, culture, leadership, groups, change, communication, power, decisions and motivation.


•Explain the differences and similarities between economic perspectives on organizations and perspectives from other social science disciplines.


Skills:

•Select, justify and evaluate the applicability of these theories in real life organizational contexts.


•Analyze and compare the theories, their strengths and weaknesses with regard to obtaining an understanding of actual organizations and practical organizational phenomena.


Competencies:

•Apply relevant theory in analysis of organizational issues described in a real-life case in a written essay in a clear and coherent way.


•Formulate and structure analytical solutions to real life organizational problems by integrating theory with case data.

Fee info

DKK 2625: EU/EEA citizens
EUR 1275: Non-EU/EEA citizens