Course code Soci5039
Credit points 3
Organizational Theory
Total Hours in Course81
Number of hours for lectures16
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16
Independent study hours49
Date of course confirmation22.03.2011
Responsible UnitInstitute of Social Sciences and Humanities
Course developers
Viola Korpa
Dr. sc. soc.
Sociālo un humanitāro zinātņu institūts
Jānis Ķusis
Dr. hist.
Course abstract
The aim of course is to supply knowledge about theoretical aspects of organizations. General knowledge about meaning of organizations and processes into them. Knowledge about so-colled classical theories and analyzing approaches. There are examined the latest trends and approaches of organizational studies.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
1)broad and in-depth knowledge of complexity and specifics of organizations; good comprehension of central theoretical perspectives and paradigms of organization studies;
2)improved subsequent skills and capabilities: 1)skills of analysis, synthesis and reasoning; 2)developed ability of identification and evaluation of causation in the context of organizational functioning; 3)skills of argumentation and critical thinking;
3)promoted development of subsequent competencies: 1)make a distinction of predictable situations and tendencies from unforeseeable ones in the context of organizational functioning, and handle it in compliance with particular circumstances; 2)make use of certain knowledge and skills in order to organize work of institution or a department in an appropriate way, as well as competencies to initiate processes of institutional alterations.
Compulsory reading
1. Christensen T., Lægreid P., Roness P., Røvik K. Organization Theory for the Public Sector: Instrument, Culture and Myth. Routledge, 2007. 208p.
2. Hatch M.J. Cunliffe A.L. Organization Theory. Modern, Symbolic and Postmodern Perspectives. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.370 p.
3. Daft R. Organization theory and design - 8th edition USA: Thomson South-Western, 2004. 624p.
4. Scott W.R. Organizations: Rational, Natural and Open Systems. 5th Edition. New York:Thousand Oaks, 2003. 264p.
Further reading
1. Haridimos T, Knudsen C. The Oxford Handbook of Organization Theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. 666p.
2. Poole M., Van de Ven A.ed. Handbook of organizational change and innovation Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2004. 429p.
3. Dāvidsone G. Organizāciju efektivitātes modelis. - Rīga : Organization Development Academy, 2008. 328 lpp.
Periodicals and other sources
1. Organization studies. SAGE Journals Online. 2010- [Tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 23.02.2011.] Pieejams http://www.uk.sagepub.com/journalsProdDesc.nav?prodId=Journal201657&crossRegion=eur - e-ISSN: 1741- 3044