Organizational Theory
Objectives
In a paper published in ASQ in 2016 Karl Weick identified what he called six longstanding paradigms in organization theory(1). In this course (*) we will explore these six paradigms plus one propelled by Weick himself (sensemaking) as well as some foundational works on the theory of organizations, plus the recent paradigm view. The core paradigms in organization theory are contingency theory, transaction costs, resource dependence, agency theory, new institutional theory, and population ecology. The course aims to offer an overview of the rich and textured conceptual landscape of the theory of organizations by exploring some of the discipline’s core ideas.
(*2023-2024. The updated course’s syllabus will be available to students at the beginning of each academic term)
General characterization
Code
6201
Credits
7
Responsible teacher
Professor Doutor Miguel Pina e Cunha
Hours
Weekly - Available soon
Total - Available soon
Teaching language
English
Prerequisites
n/a
Bibliography
Morgan, G. (1980). Images of organization. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Teaching method
Students will read, reflect, and discuss some foundational texts in organization theory. Pedagogically, this course is interactive and students will play a key role in the course of discussions.
Evaluation method
Papers debate
Course participation
Final essay
Subject matter
The syllabus covers the main paradigms in organization
theory. Each class is dedicated to a specific paradigm. At the end of the
course, students are expected to have acquired a conceptual map of organization
theory as a diverse, multiparadigmatic field.
1 Studying the behaviour of organizations
2 The pioneers
3 Bureaucracy
4 Contingency theory
5 Transaction cost theory
6 Resource-based theories
7 Agency theory
8 Population ecology
9 Institutional theory
10 Culture
11 Sensemaking
12 Paradox