327-304 Organisational Analysis

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Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the importance of paradigms, frames and metaphors as analytical frameworks for organisation studies;

• apply these frameworks to core topics;

• demonstrate an understanding of the ways different frameworks can affect conceptual and methodological preferences in management practice and research.

Content:

This course will examine the underlying assumptions, models and applications of Organisational Analysis, with an emphasis on understanding links between theory and practice. Subject content will include an introduction to differing images or metaphors of organisations, different ways of framing an organisation or situation, and to four underlying paradigms which have varying emphases. For example, metaphors of organising may include images of organisations as machines, organisms, theatres and psychic prisons. Different organisational paradigms emphasise issues such as managing organisations as effective (and ineffective) systems, removing structures of domination, releasing human potential, and understanding the importance of social construction processes. The implications of these differing perspectives will be discussed in terms of classic and current approaches to core topics such as structure, power, culture, leadership and change.

Assessment: