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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "MGT 310-2"
COURSE NAME: "Organizational Behavior"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Ieva Jakobsone Bellomi
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 11:30 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: MGT 301
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment before or after class
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course examines the disciplinary foundations of organizational behavior, the major conceptual models that purport to explain organizational behavior, the methods used to study organizations, and the main trends in the field. Content is based on basic concepts of motivation, control, change, and team building, as well as the development of effective relationships in a diverse work environment, inclusion and diversity management.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course shall focus on three main components of Organizational Behavior social science:

1. Individual (diversity and inclusion, individual values, personality and characteristics for working together),

2. Group (and how to form efficient and resilient teams taking into account and benefiting from cultural diversity of the teams) and

3. Organizational structure (including, how to create a resilient organizational culture and how to manage organizational change effectively and effeciently and most importantly - respectively and with Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Intelligence).

The main focus of class and practical group activities in the course is to understand the organizational, group and individual interplay in creating an inclusive, positive and efficient workplace with psychological safety for everyone. 

 

 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

- The development of interpersonal, communication and conceptual skills

- The development of specific technical skills

- The development of an understanding of the close links between organizational behavior concepts and skills with problems and issues actually faced by individuals, teams, and organizations

- The development of abilities and skills to diagnose and deal with ethical dilemmas and issues

- The development of knowledge and skills for positively dealing with culturally diverse individuals and groups in work settings

- The development of an understanding and appreciation of organizational behavior issues and problems across cultures
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Organizational BehaviorStephen P.Robbins, Mary Coulter, David A.DeCenzoPearson10:1-292-25923-X      
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
GROUP PRESENTATION ON DIVERSITY IN ORGANIZATION The group should attempt to answer the question on diversity in an organization: 'Diversity is a vital part of a successful organization. Though, too many people are exxagerating the importance of diversity. At the end of the day we all are the same, we are human beings. Thus, it is enough to have an excellent diversity policy on a paper and a couple of trainings per year in place to tick the boxes on diversity. 1. Do you agree/disagree with this statement? 2. Please develop the best policy for an excellent organization in respect of diversity!' 20
INDIVIDUAL MID-TERM EXAM * An individual open book test on moodle consisting of 5 (five) short essay questions (response: 15-20 sentences approx.) (5% each, total 25%) to check the general understanding of fundamental OB concepts learned so far in the course (solely on the basis of the textbook and lectures). * The study guide on the topics to be covered in the exam shall be given a week before the exam. * The exam will be timed for 2 hours and 30 minutes, on the specified day of the exam. * Grading principles: 1. The student should show that he/she understands the theoretical frameworks the question is based upon. 2. The responses should be based on theory and backed by examples from real life. 3. Repetition of the theory, theoretical frameworks without examples, personal insights, reflections, thoughts, if correct, shall not be graded higher than 75%. 4. Answers should be structured, clear. 5. The language should be focused and without grammar mistakes.25
GROUP PRESENTATION ON LEADERSHIP IN ORGANIZATION The group should attempt to answer the question on leadership in an organization: 'Charismatic leadership is the cornerstone for an organization to be effective. We all love charismatic leaders. Charismatic leaders are the best! We all want to follow charismatic leaders. Do you agree/disagree with this statement? Please develop the best policy for excellent leadership in an organization!'20
INDIVIDUAL FINAL EXAM An individual open book test on moodle consisting of 5 (five) short essay questions (response: 15-20 sentences approx.) (5% each, total 25%) to check the general understanding of fundamental OB concepts learned so far in the course (solely on the basis of the textbook and lectures). * The study guide on the topics to be covered in the exam shall be given a week before the exam. * The exam will be timed for 2 hours and 30 minutes, on the specified day of the exam. * Grading principles: 1. The student should show that he/she understands the theoretical frameworks the question is based upon. 2. The responses should be based on theory and backed by examples from real life. 3. Repetition of the theory, theoretical frameworks without examples, personal insights, reflections, thoughts, if correct, shall not be graded higher than 75%. 4. Answers should be structured, clear. 5. The language should be focused and without grammar mistakes.25
Individual class participation THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTERIndividual class participation grade shall be assessed and take into account student's active facilitation of and participation in the class discussions (all the assigned readings etc. are expected to be read and, thus, a student can make substantial contribution, talking per se shall not be considered as a substantial contribution!). 10

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for t
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendence concurs in the evaluation of the class participation grade component and  a maximum  of three unexcused absenses are permitted. 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR MGT 310 PROF. I. JĀKOBSONE BELLOMI
Textbook: ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR 18TH EDITION STEPHEN P.ROBBINS, TIMOTHY A.JUDGE PEARSON ISBN 10:1-292-25923-X ISBN 13: 978-1-292-25923-9
SYLLABUS (tentative)
week no topic readings class activities (tentative, depending on the time); students should read the assigned chapters, articles, watch assigned videos, etc. before the class to be ready to discuss the topics
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR
W1 Introducions; Introduction to the Course; Understanding what is and the Importance of Organizational Behavior Chapter 1 Discussion topics: What are the organizations you are 'behaving in'? Is your behavior different across the organizations? Why?
Understanding what is and the Importance of Organizational Behavior CONT. Chapter 1
THE INDIVIDUAL
W2 Diversity in Organization Chapter 2 Discussion topics: How can we eliminate discrinimiation from our daily and professional lives? Activity: Let's create a toolkit for inclusive organization!
Diversity in Organization CONT. Chapter 2
W3 Attitutes and Job Satisfaction Chapter 3 Discussion topics: What are the key elements for you being satisfied with the job? What would motivate you the most to excel, to be happy with your job? Activity: Let's create a toolkit on how to motivate your employees!
Attitutes and Job Satisfaction CONT. Chapter 3
W4 GROUP PRESENTATIONS ON DIVERSITY IN ORGANIZATION
GROUP PRESENTATIONS ON DIVERSITY IN ORGANIZATION CONT.
Personality and Values Chapter 4 Activity: Big Five Personality Test
W5 Personality and Values CONT. Chapter 4 Discusion topics: How do we people differ from each other? Is it easy to work with people who are different from you? Activity: Let's create a toolkit on how to work with people who are different from you in the best, most efficient and inclusive manner!
Personality and Values CONT. Chapter 4
W6 Perception and Individual Decision Making Chapter 5 Discussion topics: How do we make decisions? Do we make the decisions in the same way for ordinary, daily decisions vs complicated, life-changing decisions?
Perception and Individual Decision Making CONT. Chapter 5
W7 REVIEW FOR THE MIDTERM EXAM
MIDTERM EXAM
THE GROUP
W8 Foundations of Group Behavior Chapter 9 Discussion topics: Do you prefer to work in the group or individually? Why? What are the advantages and disadvantages working in the groups? Individually?
Foundations of Group Behavior and Creating Effective Teams Chapter 9, Chapter 10 (pages 363-377)
W9 Communication Chapter 13 Discussion topics: Why communication is important for the organization? Are we communicating effectively? What are the challenges for effective communication? Actvity: Let's create a toolkit for effective communication!
Comunication CONT. Chapter 13
W10 GROUP PRESENTATIONS ON LEADERSHIP
GROUP PRESENTATIONS ON LEADERSHIP CONT.
W11 Leadership and Internal Politics Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 Discussion topics: How do you become a leader? What are the key things you should be aware of the organization politically? Activity: Let's create a toolkit on how to 'succeed' in an organization!
THE ORGANIZATION SYSTEM
W12 Foundation of Organization Structure Chapter 14 Discussion topics: What is an ideal organization for me? What should be the structure of an ideal, 21st century modern organization?
Foundation of Organization Structure CONT. Chapter 14
W13 Organizational Culture Chapter 15 Discussion topics: Why is organizational culture important for the company? For its employees? From consumers' perspective? What are the values an ideal, 21st century modern organization should have? Activity: Let's create a toolkit for a company with high ethics and ESG policies' values!
Organizational Culture CONT. Chapter 15
W14 Organizational Change and Stress Management Chapter 17 Discussion topics: What is the organizational change? How does it affect the organization? Its employees personally? Activity: Let's create a toolkit for the organization to reduce its employees' stress in the change management initiatives?
Organizational Change and Stress Management CONT. Chapter 17
W15 INDIVIDUAL FINAL EXAM ON MOODLE