Course Syllabus

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What is organizational behavior?

Course Description:

Catalog Description:  This course introduces future administrators to the theories of organizational behavior and management in higher education. (3-credit hours). 

The course is designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of individual and group behavior in organizations. Although many of the organizational behavior theories and case studies will be taken from the corporate business sector, the purpose of this course is to demonstrate how higher education organizations can apply these theories in order to manage more effectively and enhance the quality of employees work life.  Topics include job design, communication and conflict, rewarding behavior, stress, individual and group/team behavior, organizational change and development.

Course Delivery Method - Fully Online/Asynchronous:

The course is asynchronous, meaning be delivered online through a fully remote method.  Asynchronous learning allows students to view instructional materials each week at any time they choose and does not include a live video lecture component.  Students are expected to complete all assignments by posted deadlines, check Canvas  Modules, Canvas Announcements, Messages, and LU Email on a regular basis.  In addition, students are expected attend all virtual class meetings/conferences, and complete all remote learning opportunities.

Student Learning Outcomes (Course Objectives):

This course aims to improve students understanding of human behavior in organizations, as well as improve their ability to effectively lead people to achieve better organizational performance.

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Explain individual behavior in organizations, including diversity, attitudes, job satisfaction, personality, values, perception, decision making,  and motivational theories.
  • Utilize organizational behavior theories, frameworks, principles and tactics to prevent organizational behavior (OB) problems and, when problems are identified, create alternatives to address them by applying critical thinking skills.
  • Articulate group behavior in organizations, including communication, leadership, power and politics, conflict, and negotiations.

• Discuss the organizational system, including organizational structures, workplace culture, human resources, and change.

  • Evaluate the benefits and challenges of alternatives to achieve high performance at the individual, group/team and organizational levels.

  • Make recommendations to improve individual job satisfaction, group/team productivity, or the organizational performance of higher education institutions.

Course Outline:

Accelerated Online 4-Week Course

Week 1

Welcome & Introduction:  Chapter 1: Definition and History of Organizational Behavior.

Chapter 2: Individual Behavior and Cultural Differences

Week 2

Chapter 3: Perception and Job Attitudes

Chapter 5: Diversity in Organizations  (Selected pages)

Chapter 7: Work Motivation for Performance (Selected pages)

Chapter 8: Performance Appraisal and Rewards  (Selected pages)

Week 3

 Chapter 9: Group and Intergroup Relations (Selected pages)

 Chapter 10: Understanding and Managing Work Teams (Selected pages)

 Chapter 14: Conflict and Negotiations (Selected pages)

 Chapter 12: Leadership (Selected pages)

Oral Presentations and Position Papers Due

Week 4

Organizational Behavior & Effective Leadership:  Putting It All Together - Course Summary 

Comprehensive Exam

Course Conclusion:   The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Covey)

Required Textbook and Supplemental Material(s):

1.  OpenStax Organizational Behavior, by J. Stewart Black, Richard Steers, Jason Lambert, Laura M. Leduc, Eva Hartmann, David S. Bright, et al

The textbook is freely available in digital formats, and print versions can be purchased for a low price.  Access the text in all its formats by going to https://openstax.org/details/books/organizational-behavior 

ISBN: 978-1-947172-71-5

2.  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (Audiobook).

This audiobook will be embedded in your Canvas Course module.  You may also access the link here:  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (Audiobook/HED 560 Instructional Video)

*Course Assignments 

Signature Assignment:   **Oral Presentation and Organizational Analysis Paper (Worth up to 300 points total)

Students will be expected to develop an online Oral Presentation based on the research findings from their Organizational Analysis Paper:   You are to gather information from people in an organization through direct contact. You must supplement this information with data from the media, the organization's literature, and other secondary sources.

You should identify a relatively recent organizational problem to analyze (i.e., this should not be an historical account of a problem and the institution's solution). Then analyze the problem.  Focus your analysis by applying the concepts from our course. While it is acceptable to incorporate several concepts from the course, please aim for depth rather than breadth regarding the use of course concepts. Your goal is to diagnose the
mechanisms that are causing the problem or issue of concern in the organization.

Initially, you may notice many symptoms (for instance, high turnover, seemingly low morale, low commitment, motivation etc.), but your task is to get to the underlying reason for these symptoms. And beware, sometimes the initial symptoms we think we see are not what they appear to be.
There are three broad goals for the Signature Assignment:
 1. One goal of this assignment is, obviously, to take the initiative to make a positive contribution to an organization.
 2. Another major goal is to provide an opportunity for you to learn more about organizational behavior first hand and to use your critical thinking and reflection skills to link your experience with this organization to your learning in relation to organizational behavior theory.
 3. The final goal is to provide a forum for you to hone your skills as a presenter and leader and to reflect on the learning gained from your experience. 

    • Each person will be expected to make an online presentation to the class and write a paper that describes what you did for the organization, what you learned about organizational behavior, and what you learned in this course.  With prior approval or enrollees in the accelerated class, may upload a videotaped, pre-recorded presentation. 
    • Presentations should be appx. 15-20 minutes.   Online Oral (Videotaped) Presentations will be worth up to 100 points.
    • Organizational Analysis Papers should be 5 -7 pages with  references and follow APA Style format.  Organizational Analysis Papers will be worth up to 200 points.  For guidelines on how to write an Organizational Analysis paper follow this link:  Elements of an Organizational Analysis paper 

4.  To meet the Signature Assignment goals, you should answer the following basic questions in your oral presentation and organizational analysis paper.
 a) What are the issues or problems facing the organization?
 b) What course concepts can be applied to understand why this problem is occurring?
 c) What recommendations can you offer to help improve organizational functioning?

Major Course Assignments:

Signature Assignment                                                                                 300 points total

Minimum 2 Online Check-in Conferences w/Professor                             50 points maximum

Six (6) Learner Outcomes Assignments  @ 50 points each                      300 points total 

Three (3) Test Your Knowledge Quizzes  @ 50 points each                     150 points total

One (1) Comprehensive Final Exam                                                           200 points total

                                                                    Total Possible Course Points   1, 000

*The professor reserves the right to change or modify the course assignments to meet learner outcomes or objectives.  Students will be given adequate notice of a change in assignments through Canvas Announcements and/or Messaging. ** With prior approval or enrollees in the accelerated class, may upload a videotaped, pre-recorded presentation. 

Evaluation and Grading Scale

A point value will be given to each assignment throughout the semester. A student’s final grade will be determined by using their total points earned divided by the total points possible, and the percentage will be used with a standard grading scale. The instructor will provide information on assignments and point totals. 

Assignments are expected to be submitted in the required format, be considered appropriate college-level work, and by the deadline or penalties/deductions will be assessed.

Grade/Percentage Score

A     90-100        B    80-89     C    70-79      D    60-69     F    0-59

Zoom Online Course Meeting Link:

Dr. Avila Hendricks is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: HED 560-90 Organizational Behavior Zoom Meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting. 

Check Canvas Announcements for meeting notices and/or to schedule an appointment with the professor. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://lincolnu-edu.zoom.us/j/99315885037

Meeting ID: 993 1588 5037
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Important Notes:

  • SYLLABUS REVISION STATEMENT:

    This syllabus is intended to provide the student guidance in what may be covered during the semester/term and will be followed as closely as possible.  However, faculty reserve the right to modify, supplement, adjust, and make changes as needs arise.  Students will be notified by email or by announcement in class when revisions are made.

  • LATE/INCORRECTLY SUBMITTED ASSIGNMENTS:  All assignments are due at 11:00PM on the date assigned, unless otherwise notified.

    Your success will depend on how dedicated you are to your study and completion of all class activities sometime with quality in your mind. Students are responsible for completing and turning in all assignments at the designated time (must be submitted by the assigned delivery method).  Late assignments will NOT be accepted. 

    Exceptions: Students that have a documented excused absence (doctor's excuse, university sponsored event, etc.) will be allowed to turn in late assignments immediately on their return to class but must provide an email at, or prior to, the absence (must communicate it when it occurs).  Students missing assignments because of their participation in a university-sponsored event or any other absence must notify the instructor prior to the scheduled class time. 

    If late assignments are accepted -- All late assignments are subject to a 25% penalty, and an additional 25% penalty per day (unless otherwise noted). 

  • ACCOMMODATIONS POLICY:  Any student needing accommodations should inform the instructor. Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Office of Access and Ability early so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. All information will remain confidential:  Office of Access & Ability Services, Thompkins Health Center, 822 Lee Drive-  573-681-5167 or  573-681-5165 .
  • ACADEMIC DISHONEST:  Academic dishonesty and plagiarism will result in a failing grade on the assignment. Using someone else's ideas or phrasing and representing those ideas or phrasing as your own, either on purpose or through carelessness, is a serious offense known as plagiarism. Please see the LU Student Handbook for policies regarding plagiarism, harassment, etc. [link to your college's academic honesty policies]
  • COUNSELING and OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES:  Any students with stress-related problems, financial difficulties, food insecurities, and/or who need other support should contact the LU campus Support Services or the  Office of Student Affairs.

School of Education Conceptual Framework:  

School of Education Framework

Transforming the future, one learner at a time through enduring understanding, engaging pedagogy, and evolving world view.

Enduring Understanding means that learning and teaching must focus on important concepts that students will remember for a lifetime, rather than information that is memorized for a test and then forgotten. 

Engaging Pedagogy means that learning is to be active, interactive and involving, emphasizing exploration, discovery and life application, rather than just reading a text and listening to lectures. 

Evolving Worldview means that learners encounter diverse people, ideas and perspectives and so develop social responsibility and global consciousness. 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due