LV EN RU DE FR

Organization Studies

Course developers

Prior knowledge

Soci5043, Sociological Theory

Course abstract

The study course gives knowledge and an insight into sociological approach of analysis of organizations as a basic component of social structure. Varied theories, approaches and patterns of organizational studies are examined during the course. The study course gives an insight into using these ideas as a practical tool of organizational research and analyzing actual problems of contemporary organizations.
The aim of the study course is to deepen students' understanding of organizations as a specific social formation, the specifics of organizational research, the approaches of organizational research and analysis and their use.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

KNOWLEDGE:
1. Understands the theoretical approaches to organizations as a specific social formation. Individual work, discussion in lessons.
2. Understanding of the specifics of organizational culture, its influencing factors, its development process and management. Practical works.
3. Knowledge of the specifics and complexity of organizations, understanding of the most important theoretical perspectives, analytical approaches and methods in the study of organizations. Examination.
SKILLS:
Professional skills
1) Able to identify and evaluate causal relationships in the context of the functioning of organizations. Group work, discussions in classes.
2) Able to analyze and evaluate scientific works on organizational development issues. Individual work
3) Is able to analyze and evaluate the visible and invisible part of the organization's culture, its image and reputation. Group work, discussions in classes.
4) Able to independently choose and apply organizational research approaches to problem research, and develop constructive proposals for improving the performance of organizations. Individual work. Practical works.
Soft skills:
1) Ability to responsibly plan assigned tasks. Individual work.
2) Analytical and systemic thinking skills. Group work.
3) Argumentation and critical thinking skills. Individual work.
4) Able to develop social interaction, cooperation and organizational skills. Discussions in classes.
COMPETENCE:
1) Able to distinguish predictable situations and developments in the functioning of organizations from unforeseen ones and to act accordingly, applying theories, methods and research approaches. Practical works.
2) Able to purposefully and effectively apply theoretical knowledge and skills in organizational analysis. Practical works, Individual work, Examination.

Course Content(Calendar)

Lecture topics (24 hours)
1. The essence of organizational theory, its connection with other sciences. An overview of organizational theories and approaches. (2 hours)
2. Understanding of the essence of the organization. Organizational diversity in society. Typology of organizations. (2 hours)
3. External environment of the organization. Organizations and globalization. (1 hour)
4. Internal environment of the organization. The concept of organizational environment. Structural and systems approach in organizational theory. (2 hours)
5. Organizational culture and corporate culture. Classification of organizational cultures. (1 hour)
6. Organizational culture levels, visible part and invisible part. (1 hour)
7. Organizational culture and personnel. Specifics of organizational culture management. (1 hour)
8. Implementation of changes in organizations. Innovation as a form of change. (1 hours)
9. Organizations as an object of research and analysis. (1 hour)
10. Methodological approaches in organizational research. (2 hours)
11. Methodological problems of organizational research and possibilities of their elimination. (2 hours)
12. Specific factors of research and analysis of different types of organizations. 2 hours)
13. Universal and specific approaches to organizational analysis. (2 hours)
14. Specifics of research of organizational elements. (1 hour)
15. Organizational research and analysis tools: frameworks, models, methods, matrices, scales, etc. (2 hours)
16. Measuring the effectiveness of organizations and its problems. (1 hour)
List of practical work (24 hours)
1. Understanding of the essence of the organization. Organizational diversity in society. Directions and approaches of organizational theories. (1 hour)
2. External environment of the organization. (1 hour)
3. Identification of structural elements of the organization. Analysis of organizational structures. (2 hours)
4. Visible and invisible part of organization’s culture. (1 hour)
5. The image and reputation of organization: review and analysis of reputation tops, analysis of the image and reputation of a specific organization, presentation. (1 hour)
6. Directions and approaches of organizational culture theories. (2 hours)
7. Implementing change in organizations: a case study. (2 hours)
8. Organizations as an object of research and analysis: literature studies, summarizing, identification of previous research, discussions. (2 hours)
9. The need for research and analysis of organizations: discussions, situation analysis. (2 hours)
10. Methodological approaches in organizational research: discussions. (2 hours)
11. Methodological problems of organizational research and possibilities of their elimination: situation analysis, discussions. (2 hours)
12. Specific factors of research and analysis of different types of organizations: development and presentation of experimental research design. (2 hours)
13. Universal and specific approaches to organizational analysis: case studies. (2 hours)
14. The concept of postmodern organization. The future of organizations: discussions. (2 hours)

Requirements for awarding credit points

The given summaries, research tasks or other tasks have been performed in accordance with the questions to be considered in the lessons and a test has been obtained for each lesson. The test is obtained by participating in classes, participating in discussions, presenting what has been done or not participating in classes, but submitting the assignment of the respective lesson to the lecturer by the end of the respective semester. At the end of the study course there is an exam.

Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

- Reasoned essay has been submitted (minimum volume 2 pages in computer type) on one of the topics offered by the lecturer. The essay must be written in accordance with the rules of writing a reasoned essay, including the sources of the used literature.
- A review of a scientific article has been submitted.
- The student must develop and present individual work – research and analysis of a specific organization.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final evaluation of the study course consists of the following evaluations: 10% practical work (organizational culture), 10% practical work (Classical theories and analysis approaches of organizations), 10% independent work (Specifics and complexity of organizations), 30% practical work (Latest theoretical perspectives and analytical approaches in organizational research), 40% examination.

Compulsory reading

1. Robson C., McCartan. Real World Research. 4th ed. London: John Wiley&Sons, 2016, p. 533.
2. Wolf C., Joye D., Smith T.W., Fu Yang-Chih. The Sage Handbook of Survey Methodology. Croydon: Sage Publications, 2016. 716 p.
3. Bakari M. El-Kamel. The Dilemma of Sustainablility in the Age of Globalization: A Quest for a Paradigm of Development. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2017. 223 p.
4. Dagnino G.B. Research Methods for Strategic Management: a Research Methods Handbook.New York: Routledge, 2016. 377 p.
5. Seville E. Resilient Organizations: How to Survive, Thrive and Create Opportunities through Crisis and Change. Kogan Page, 2016. 185 p. Pieejams LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzE0MDYwNjlfX0FO0?sid=625eac34-a90d-45ec-b1ce-bed3d808be01@redis&vid=8&format=EB&rid=11
6. King B., Felin T., Whetten D.A. Studying Differences between Organizations: Comparative Approaches to Organizational Research. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. 2009. 270 p. Pieejams LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzI4NzcwN19fQU41?sid=625eac34-a90d-45ec-b1ce-bed3d808be01@redis&vid=11&format=EB&rid=1
7. Greener T. Understanding Organizations- Part One. Ventus Publishing ApS, 2010. 86 p. Pieejams: https://bookboon.com/en/understanding-organisations-part-one-ebook
8. Greener T. Understanding Organizations- Part Two. Ventus Publishing ApS, 2010. 112 p. Pieejams: https://bookboon.com/en/understanding-organisations-part-two-ebook
9. Handbook of Organization Development. Los Angeles: Sage Publications, 2008. 720 p.
10. Hatch M.J. Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. 370 p.
11. Krause H.U., Arora D. Key Performance Indicators for Sustainable Management: A Compendium Based on the “Balanced Scorecard Approach”. Berlin/ Boston: De Guyter, 2020. 372 p. ISBN: 978-3-11-058908-7
12. Brymen A. Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008, 350 p.
13. Dāvidsone G. Organizāciju efektivitātes modelis. Rīga : Organization Development Academy, 2008. 328 lpp.
14. Dubkēvičs L. Organizācijas kultūra.- R.: Jumava, 2009.
15. Scott W.R. Institutions and organizations: ideas and interests. - 3rd ed.- Los Angeles: Sage Publication, 2008. 266p.

16. Staber U. Understanding Organizations: Theories &Images. London: SAGE Publications Inc., 2013. 268 lpp.

Further reading

1. Angouri Jo. Culture, discourse, and the workplace. New York: Routledge, 2018. 229 p.
2. Luhman N. Organization and decision. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2018. 410 p.
3. Adler P.S. (ed.) The Oxford Handbook of Sociology and Organization Studies. Classical Foundations. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. 660p.
4. Green M. C., Keegan W.J. Global Marketing. Global Edition, 10th edition. London: Pearson Education, 2020. 627 p. ISBN: 978-1-292-30402-1
5. Barrets R. Vērtīborientētas organizācijas izveide : visas sistēmas kultūras transformācijas koncepcija. - Rīga : Biedrība "Domas spēks", 2008. 227 lpp.
6. Buchman D., Bryman A. (ed.) Handbook of Organizational Research Methods. SAGE Publications. 2009. 856 p.
7. Adams J., Raeside, R. Khan, H. T. A. Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students. Second edition. eBook. New Delhi: Sage Publications Pvt. Ltd., 2014. 304 p. Pieejams LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=
e000xww&AN=784882&site=ehost-live&scope=site
8. Brewerton P.M., Millward L.J. Organizational Research Methods: A Guide for Students and Researchers. Sage Publications. 2001. 224 p.
9. Cavana R.J., Delahaye B.L., Milton U.S. Applied business research: qualitative and quantitative methods., John Wiley & Sons Australia, 2001. 472 p.
10. Ešenvalde I. Pārmaiņu vadība. Rīga: Jāņa Rozes Apgāds, 2007. 264 lpp.
11. Kalve I. Apseglot pārmaiņu vējus. Stratēģiskā un pārmaiņu vadība. Rīga: Biznesa Augstskola Turība., 2005. 296 lpp.
12. Newman W., Social Research Methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. Boston: Pearson, 2006, 592 p.
13. Pētījumu metodes ekonomikā un biznesā: mācību līdzeklis Ekonomikas un vadības fakultāšu studentiem. Jelgava:2005, 97 p.
14. Schwab D.P. Research Methods for Organizational Studies. Second Edition. Lavrence Erlbaum Associates.inc., 2005. 388 p.
15. Swanson R.A., Holton III E.F. ed. Research in Organizations: foundations and methods of inquiry. 2005.

16. Tarling R. Managing Social Research. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2006,180 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Family Business Experts. [Tiešaiste].[Skatīts 02.03.2021.] Pieejams: http://www.family-business-experts.com/family-business-experts.html
2. Organizational Research Methods. [Tiešaiste].[Skatīts 02.03.2021.] Pieejams: http://orm.sagepub.com Published by Sage Publications. ISSN (printed): 1094-4281. ISSN (electronic): 1552-7425.
3. Organization Studies. Sage žurnāls. [Tiešaiste].[Skatīts 02.03.2021.] Pieejams: http://oss.sagepub.com Published by Sage Publications. ISSN (printed): 0170-8406. ISSN (electronic): 1741-3044.

4. Journal of International Organizations Studies. Pieejams: http:www.journal-iostudies.org

Notes

Compulsory study course in the ESAF academic master's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".