Org Metaphors & Contexts

Catalog description

This course provides an interdisciplinary social sciences perspective on the nature of organizing in modern society and the variety of organizational forms that provide contexts in which leadership matters. Students will consider the structural forms and underlying purposes served by organizations in multiple sectors of society, including corporate, non-profit, health care and educational domains. Differences and similarities among types of organizations will be considered through a variety of metaphorical lens that facilitate our understanding and interpreting the systemic, organismic, cultural and political dynamics that govern the societal contributions and ends serves by different types of organizations. Consideration will be given to both the functional and dysfunctional dynamics that shape and sometimes limit the range of proactive human behavior fostered by alternative forms of organizing. Strategies for improving the health and performance of 21 ”century organizations experiencing challenges in the face of trends in population, economy, health care, and environmental stewardship. Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Leadership Studies College of Health and Human Sciences Leadership Studies & HRD