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:
Composed of two or more people.
Functions continuously to achieve a common goal.
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
Organizational Behavior: Understanding interactions and motivations within organizations.
Motivation and Job Satisfaction: Examining factors leading to employee engagement.
Team Effectiveness: Assessing team dynamics and group performance.
Leadership: Exploring styles, theories, and effectiveness in guiding teams.
Conflict and Power: Understanding the politics and the management of conflicts in organizations.
Organizational Change: Analyzing how organizations implement change.
Human Resource Management Areas
Recruitment and Selection: Best practices for attracting and selecting employees.
Training and Development: Strategies for employee skill enhancement and growth.
Performance Management: Evaluation and improvement of employee performance.
Compensation and Benefits: Structures for employee remuneration and incentives.
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.