• Ability to account for and discuss the theories in the required course reading as well as class materials
• Ability to illustrate theories and ideas from the literature and the class by examples from the exam case.
• Understanding theoretical-empirical relationships, that is, the ability to establish an explanatory relationship between theory and the exam case.
• Ability to carry out critical assessment of the scope of alternative theories and to compare their relevance to the exam case.
• Ability to gain new insights through a selective application of multiple theories in a critical assessment of the exam case.

The course is designed to provide students with analytical tools and capabilities that will allow them to examine comprehensively the task of establishing well-functioning organizations. The course promotes the view that theorizing is an important organizational practice and that knowledge of alternatives and their consequences is the key for understanding organization and organized action. Successfully turning theory into a practical resource or tool for further theorizing requires an ability to appreciate differences among the various theories. This includes furthering the ability to discuss and critically reflect upon the theories and their different – sometimes competing – assumptions, while paying due attention to their possible practical relevance and implications.
 
This is a hands-on course that requires students' engagement. Attendance and active participation in class discussions is not only expected, but also required for one's successful realization of the course learning objectives.

 

Pugh, D. and Hickson, D.J. (2007). Writers on Organizations (6^th edition), Sage Publications

Hatch, M.J. & Cunliffe, A.L. (2012).  Organization Theory Modern, symbolic and postmodern perspectives (3^rd edition), Oxford University Press. (Note: second edition may work too)