Leader: Dr N Allix

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Evening)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Hong Kong Term 2 2008 (Off-campus)
Singapore Term 2 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit is an introduction to the complexities of decision making in organizational contexts. Topics covered include: theoretical and philosophical analyses of the concepts of power and authority in organizational and institutional contexts; research approaches to understanding the nature of decision making and problem solving processes; an examination of how psychological, social, and contextual factors influence and shape decision making processes and outcomes in organizations; an analysis of how issues associated with power and authority affect decision making and related organizational structures and processes, and an exploration of how organizational structures and processes might be better designed to enhance decision making intelligence and organizational governance.

Objectives

This unit aims to introduce students to how researchers have come to understand:

1. Concepts of power and authority in organizational and institutional contexts.

2. How good decisions ought to get made in administrative contexts.

3. How decisions actually do get made in organizations.

4. How factors associated with complexity, uncertainty, ambiguity, and social choice affect decision making in organizations.

5. How organizations might be designed to improve decision making processes and outcomes, and better manage associated patterns of power and authority.

Assessment

2 Essays (2 x 4000 words each): Weighting of 50% each - totalling 100%.

Contact hours

3 hours per week equivalent (5 x 4hr modules over the semester)