PADM 7170 Organizational Behavior

Valdosta State University

Expected Outcomes: Participants will demonstrate the following:

ADA: Valdosta State University complies fully with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe that you are covered under this act, and if you have need for special arrangements to allow you to meet the requirements of this course, please contact the personnel at the VSU Access Office. You may contact that office by telephone at 229-245-2498, FAX 229-245-3873. Learn more on the VSU web site at: http://www.valdosta.edu/ssp/ You may also reach them via email: access@valdosta.edu. Also, please discuss this either in person or via email with your instructor(s) at the start of each class.

Web Readings: Additional readings for the class are identified on the class web site. In addition to the required texts, there are a number of required items that may be downloaded from the class’ online site. These readings will be indicated in the syllabus. In order to read online material at the class site, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader*. Some of the readings are available on the web. We have no control over these web sites, so the instructor, the MPA program, and the University are not responsible for their content. If a participant has difficulty accessing material at one of the identified web addresses, please contact the instructor ASAP. Additionally, if any material on a web site is found to be objectionable, please contact the instructor. Readings may be assigned from additional sources as they are identified.

Description:	An introduction to major theories concerning management in the public sector, including analysis of individual behavior in an organizational context. Emphasis is on the politicized environment.
Texts:	Denhardt, Robert B. (2008). Theories of Public Organization. 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Thompson/ Wadsworth. (ISBN-13 # 9780495097068)
	Ott, J. Steven, Sandra J. Parkes, & Richard B. Simpson. Eds. (2008). Classic Readings in Organizational Behavior. 4th ed. Belmont, CA: Thompson/Wadsworth. (ISBN-13 # 9780495094746)
	Asimov, Isaac (1993). The Caves of Steel. New York: Ballantine. (ISBN # 0-553-29430-0)
Instructor:	Gerald A. "Jerry" Merwin Jr., Ph.D. <gamerwin@valdosta.edu> (Link to contact information.)
Web Site:	http://www.valdosta.edu/~gamerwin/pa/classes/padm7170/
Office Hours:	The OMB section meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from September 18 to October 23, 2007, and office hours will be on Wednesdays of class meetings 3:00-5:30 p.m. (in West Hall). The OMA section meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings from October 29 to December 3, 2007, and office hours will be on Tuesdays of class meetings 3:00-5:30. It is possible that committee or departmental meetings will be scheduled during these times, so it is best to arrange the meetings ahead of time. Other appointment times are available by arrangement directly with the instructor.


Expected Outcomes: Participants will demonstrate the following:
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the major theories concerning human behavior in organizational contexts. Each student should gain a basic understanding of those theories and be able to apply them in his or her present or future work setting. Upon completion of the course, each student should:
1.	discuss the evolution of thought concerning organizational behavior, including identifying and evaluating the major schools,
2.	discuss specific concepts of organizational theory, including communication theory, role and small group theory, motivation and leadership theory, and organizational change and development; and
3.	integrate those concepts and applying them to specific cases drawn from organizations.

ADA: Valdosta State University complies fully with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe that you are covered under this act, and if you have need for special arrangements to allow you to meet the requirements of this course, please contact the personnel at the VSU Access Office. You may contact that office by telephone at 229-245-2498, FAX 229-245-3873. Learn more on the VSU web site at: http://www.valdosta.edu/ssp/ You may also reach them via email: access@valdosta.edu. Also, please discuss this either in person or via email with your instructor(s) at the start of each class.


Web Readings: Additional readings for the class are identified on the class web site. In addition to the required texts, there are a number of required items that may be downloaded from the class’ online site. These readings will be indicated in the syllabus. In order to read online material at the class site, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader*. Some of the readings are available on the web. We have no control over these web sites, so the instructor, the MPA program, and the University are not responsible for their content. If a participant has difficulty accessing material at one of the identified web addresses, please contact the instructor ASAP. Additionally, if any material on a web site is found to be objectionable, please contact the instructor. Readings may be assigned from additional sources as they are identified.

Reference http://www.valdosta.edu/~gamerwin/pa/classes/padm7170/index.html
Updated 09/23/2007, contact Jerry Merwin