Analyze theories of organizational behavior

Project – Organizational Analysis

What elements make up an effectively administered public organization? How do you measure that effectiveness? What levers do you pull to increase effectiveness? How do you make those decisions?

In this course project, you will demonstrate your ability to address these questions by conducting an abbreviated organizational analysis of a public agency of your choice, applying concepts in organizational theory to the practice of administering a public organization. You may use a public agency of which you have personal knowledge, or you may choose any other public agency in which you have an interest.

The project is split into two parts. In the first section of the project, you will begin to assemble a theoretical foundation for your analysis. In the second section of the project, you will fine-tune your theoretical foundation and apply the theoretical principles you’ve outlined to your organizational analysis of your chosen organization.

To successfully complete this project, you will be expected to:

• Analyze theories of organizational behavior as applied to the field.
• Evaluate methods of managing and enhancing culture in the workplace based on contemporary theory.
• Apply theories to organizations to illustrate efficacy in practices.
• Analyze theories of decision making for application in the public sector.
• Think critically and communicate effectively in organizational settings.

Project Requirements

To achieve a successful project experience and outcome, you are expected to meet the following requirements.

Project Component: Organizational Theory Overview

Power and influence, whether internal or external, can change the behavior of an organization and affect the organization both positively and negatively. The astute public administrator will thoroughly understand the forces that can exert power and influence over an organization, as well as the underlying motivations behind these forces. Understanding the underlying motivations can spur creative thinking and problem solving.

This unit’s readings will explore the influences that the external environment can have on the organization. In the unit discussions, you will analyze the roles that power and influence play in public organizations.

In this component of your project you will begin to lay the theoretical foundation of your organizational analysis.

The performance criteria that you will use in your organizational analysis include:

• Motivation.
• Productivity.
• Diversity.
• Group development.
• Team building.
• Collaboration and coordination with outside contractors.
• Decision making.
• Communication processes.
• Power and politics.
• Organizational culture.

For this component of the project, submit a 7-10 page paper in which you provide a theoretical analysis of each of the above elements and their application to public administration. Your analysis should include:

• A brief historical overview of the concept.
• A concise discussion of how the concept functions in the field of public administration, particularly noting any differences between the way it functions in public and private organizations.
• A list of questions that your research of the concept suggests you should explore in your Organizational Analysis.
• 3-5 references in support of your analysis of the concept.

CRITERIA

Analyzes theories of organizational behavior as applied to the field, and explains areas in which these theories may not apply.

Evaluates and synthesizes methods of managing and enhancing culture in the workplace based on contemporary theory

Applies and evaluates theories to organizations to illustrate efficacy in practices

Analyzes theories of decision making for application in the public sector, and explains how roadblocks can be overcome

Demonstrates an understanding of an academic writing style, which includes critical thinking and effective communications in organizational settings, and the academic writing and communication style is exemplary

Review of the grading rubric shows that general organizational behavior, managing and enhancing culture in the workplace, efficacy and efficiency, and decision making are the focus of most of the evaluation so hit those the hardest.

Readings

Read the following in the Rainey text:

Chapter 4, “Analyzing the Environment of Public Organizations,” pages 86-108.

Chapter 5, “The Impact of Political Power and Public Policy,” pages 109-144.

Read Case Study 4, “The Columbia Accident,” pages 104-114 in the Stillman text.

Read the Lindeman article, “Participation and power: Civic discourse in environmental policy decisions.”