managing individuals in organizations 1

MHR 3200— Managing Individuals in Organizations: Overview

Course Details

  • Instructor: Dr. Larry Inks

  • Department: Department of Management and Human Resources

  • Institution: Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University

Instructor Background

  • Education:

    • Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Purdue University

    • Master of Arts (MA) and PhD from The Ohio State University

  • Professional Experience:

    • Worked with PepsiCo, Wichita State University, AlliedSignal/Honeywell, and Cardinal Health.

    • Currently a member of The Ohio State University faculty.

Importance of the Material

  • Emphasis on the complexity of managing individuals within organizations.

  • Challenges in aspects such as leadership, motivation, conflict, and organizational change.

  • Recognition that these are not easily solvable “soft skills.”

Course Description

  • Designed to focus on significant issues in organizational behavior and human resource management.

  • Aims to equip students with knowledge and tools to understand and manage the dynamics of organizations.

Instructor Commitment

  • Commitment to help students understand theories, frameworks, and real-world applications relevant to organizational behavior.

  • Dedication to building an engaging online learning environment.

Expectations of Students

  • Exhibit an interest in the course material as it is relevant to students' futures.

  • Stay current with readings and lectures; avoid procrastination.

  • Engage in personal application of material and participate actively.

  • Maintain professionalism in online learning settings.

  • Make an effort to focus and be present in class.

Course Logistics

Grading Overview
  • Exams:

    • Three non-cumulative exams worth 100 points each, totaling 300 points.

    • Format includes multiple-choice questions (50 questions, 2 points each).

    • Various versions of exams to maintain academic integrity.

  • Introspection Papers:

    • Three papers worth 5 points each, totaling 15 points.

    • Focus on personal application of course content.

    • Encouraged to be introspective.

  • Takeaways:

    • Three in-class “takeaways” worth 5 points each, totaling 15 points.

    • Encourage reflection and application of learned material.

  • Total:

    • Maximum of 330 points available for the course.

The Nature of an Organization

  • Defined as a consciously coordinated social unit characterized by:

    1. Composed of two or more people.

    2. Functions continuously to achieve a common goal.

    3. Defined formal roles for members that dictate expected behaviors.

Challenges in Organizational Management

Reasons Why People Issues Are Difficult
  • Complexity of human behavior makes management challenging.

  • Common misconceptions about “soft skills” lead novices to underestimate their difficulty.

  • Effective management requires a deep understanding of dynamics within an organization.

  • Talented individuals possess choices about their employment, necessitating effective management to retain them.

Course Topics

Major Areas of Study
  1. Organizational Behavior: Understanding interactions and motivations within organizations.

  2. Motivation and Job Satisfaction: Examining factors leading to employee engagement.

  3. Team Effectiveness: Assessing team dynamics and group performance.

  4. Leadership: Exploring styles, theories, and effectiveness in guiding teams.

  5. Conflict and Power: Understanding the politics and the management of conflicts in organizations.

  6. Organizational Change: Analyzing how organizations implement change.

Human Resource Management Areas
  1. Recruitment and Selection: Best practices for attracting and selecting employees.

  2. Training and Development: Strategies for employee skill enhancement and growth.

  3. Performance Management: Evaluation and improvement of employee performance.

  4. Compensation and Benefits: Structures for employee remuneration and incentives.

  5. Organizational Design: Structuring organizations for optimal performance aligned with strategic goals.

Academic Integrity

  • Academic misconduct is strictly prohibited per The Ohio State University's Code of Student Conduct, Section 3335–23–04.

  • Definitions include any act compromising academic integrity, such as cheating during exams.

  • Severe repercussions may include failing the course or expulsion.

Strategies for Success in the Course

  • Maintain a tidy and organized study environment.

  • Implement time management strategies to avoid procrastination.

  • Actively participate in class and apply learned concepts personally.

  • Ensure continuous engagement with the course material through reading and discussions.

  • Aim to embrace an inquisitive and reflective mindset towards learning.