THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA/GREENSBORO

THE SCHOOL OF CONTINUAL LEARNING/EDUCATION

THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

MASTERS OF ARTS IN LIBERAL STUDIES PROGRAM

FALL 2003

MLS 620B:81/EMERGING ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS

Instructor: McLeod

Office: Bryan 378

Tel: 336-334-5698

E-Mail: ken@uncg.edu

Office Hours: Tues-Weds-Thurs 5:00-6:00PM

Course Description: This course is an overview of the current thinking about self-organizing systems. The principles of organization and structure are synthesized from systems theory, chaos, and complexity theory. Systems theory has long postulated that we can only understand things from a holistic view point and more accurately by understanding the relationships of the parts that make up the whole.

Initial study was on substance, matter, structure and quantity. Self-Organization focuses on the study of form, order, and quality. It challenges some of our more cherished beliefs as it relates to growth, development, competition and sustainability. It is the foundation of the concept of “learning Organizations” which we will explore in depth.

Books: Capra, Fritjof. The Hidden Connections. Doubleday , New York 2002.

Bound Volume of Readings Provided.

Note: Do not buy the book before the first class meeting.

Course Objectives:

Introduce the student to the current thinking about systems theory and emerging organization designs.

Challenge the student to critically analyze the role of growth, development and competition as it relates to sustainability.

Provide models which encourage the exploration of certain applications of theories designed to enhance organizational effectiveness.

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Learning Resources: We will use books, articles, videos class discussion and our own personal experiences, knowledge etc. to integrate the theory with our own sense of self-organizing with our own sense of identity.

Grades: A paper which integrates your experiences with the theories discussed. It should be 5-7 pages in length, can be longer if you choose, supported by references and resources you choose to support your opinions. You may argue whether self-organization is viable, a dream or whatever but whatever you position you should support with references. It is not a “feeling” paper. I.E. “I feel that”.

SYLLABUS

WEEK    DATE        TOPIC

1      8-18-03     Introduction to Change Theory

          Exercise: Life Line

2.      8-25-03     Systems Theory

          Intro to Dynamics of Self-Organization

•  No Class Labor Day

3.      9-8-03       Reading: Capra: Ecology and Community

          Assessments: KAI—Hofstede Cultural Values

4.      9-15-03     Video: Mindwalk

5.      9-22-03     No Class Prepare Paper Outline

6      9-29-03     Video Discussion

          Western Rational Thinking

7.      10-6-03     Chaos Theory/Complexity

•  No Class Fall Break

8.      10-20-03     Complexity/Creativity in Organizations

          Emerging Organizational Structures

9.      10-27-03     Learning Organizations

10.      11-3-03     Leadership Issues for New Global

          Environment

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11.      11-10-03     Stages of Development

12.      11-17-03     Complexity and Community

13.      11-24-03     A Company of Citizens

14.      12-1-03     Wrap-up

15.      12-8-03     Last class/Papers Due

NOTE: The readings will be assigned from the bound volume provided and other handouts.