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COURSE SYLLABUS – Spring 2005

BA 3361 – Organizational Behavior

Instructor: Dr. Laurie Ziegler


Office: 4.210
Phone: 972-883-2847
email: WebCT internal email only
Office Hours: M W 5:00 – 6:00 I am flexible; do not hesitate to make an appointment.

TA: Cliff Landers


Office Hours: M W 3:00 – 6:00; R 2:00 – 6:00

Course Information

Required Materials:
1. Organizational Behavior: Emerging Realities for the Workplace
Revolution, 3rd edition, McShane & VonGlinow, 2003.
2. Name placard – to display each class period
3. WebCT access
4. Scantrons (3)
5. Textbook website
Bring your textbook, name placard, and assignments to class each meeting.
Turn off all cell phones, beepers, laptops, etc. during class. You may take notes
on your laptop only. If you use the laptop for other purposes you will be asked to leave
the classroom.

Course Communication:
This course is supplemented by WebCT. Use WebCT mail to contact us. We will not
respond to emails sent to our external accounts. Updates to the course will be
communicated to you via the WebCT discussion board and calendar. Instructions for
accessing WebCT are located at the end of this syllabus. If you would like to talk with us
in person, please make an appointment to meet during our office hours. If you are unable
to meet during designated office hours, we can arrange an alternative time.

Important Notice: Although you will be contacting me through WebCT only, I am


required to notify you of a new university policy. Beginning August 1, 2004, faculty are
not required to answer student emails unless from a UTD email account. U.T. Dallas
provides each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication
with university personnel. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of
confidence in the identity of all individuals corresponding and the security of the
transmitted information.

Objectives of the Course:


1. To develop an understanding of concepts, research, and theories in the study of
human behavior in organizations.
2. To introduce the student to primary research and the application of associated
theories to individual, group, and organizational-level behavior. Emphasis will be
placed on the application of this information to the business environment.
3. To provide cases, examples, and exercises that will help students incorporate
contemporary knowledge of organizations into their thinking and behavior.
4. To create an awareness of the relationships that diversity and ethics have on
organizations and on organizational behavior concepts.
5. To help foster improved competency in several critical management skills.
6. To help prepare students to transfer this knowledge to real-life settings.

Student Obligations and Expectations:


Active participation is necessary for us to have a successful semester; therefore each
student is expected to come to class having read and prepared the assigned material. You
will not do well in the course if your attendance is poor or if you are not prepared. If you
do not fully understand the key concepts, please ask me questions during class or via the
WebCT discussion board.

I expect that you will be honest and ethical in all matters related to this course.
Plagiarism or cheating will not be tolerated. If you suspect someone is cheating on an
exam or on other course assignments, please let me know. It is your responsibility to
help maintain the integrity of this course. Please see the section on scholastic dishonesty
and sexual harassment later in this syllabus.

You will respect your classmates and me at all times. Please respect your classmates by
turning off cell phones and beepers before class. Also, laptop usage during class for any
reason other than note taking is prohibited since it may be distracting to your fellow
students.

I recognize that this class is comprised of individuals with various backgrounds, needs,
interests, and learning styles; therefore, contact me if you have questions about or
concerns with any aspect of the course.

Additional obligations, expectations and suggestions are listed under the title: How to
Succeed in this Course.

Teacher Obligations and Expectations:


I will be prepared for class, respond to your questions and comments regarding the course
material, and actively encourage your desire to learn.

I will provide feedback in a timely manner. I will discuss your performance with you in
an effort to help you better understand the material. I will do my best to address any
misunderstandings you may have, but I will not tolerate disrespectful behavior at any
time.

I will use a variety of methods to engage your intellect. They include lectures,
PowerPoint slides, videos, music, classroom discussions, and simulations.
I will create a learning environment within which each of you has the ability to succeed.
This detailed syllabus provides you with a guide that can help maximize your
understanding of the course content and enhance your performance. Additionally, I will
be organized in my presentations, provide learning tips throughout the semester, and post
helpful ideas on the WebCT discussion board.

I will be respectful, honest, and ethical in all matters related to this course. If I offend
you in any way, it is completely unintentional. Please let me know if I do so.

Exams will be valid and the evaluation process unbiased. Student confidentiality will be
maintained at all times.

Student Assessment
Course Breakdown:
Exams (3 equally weighted) 70%
Homework Assignments 30%
100%

Exams:
Exams are based on lecture, text, materials. Many questions are applied and require you
to analyze and synthesize OB concepts. Please prepare early for the exams and come to
class with any questions or concerns you may have prior to the exam date. Do not feel
uncomfortable asking questions. Other students will also benefit from the discussion.
Exams will be multiple choice and are closed book and closed notes.

Important: It is imperative that you come to class on time on examination days. Once a
student has finished an exam and left the classroom, the examination period is closed.

Due to problems with cheating, no electronic devices will be allowed during the exam. If
you need to use a foreign language translation dictionary bring it in book form for my
approval. However, if you do not understand a question, it is best for you to get clarification
from your teaching assistant or me.

Make-Up and Examination Replacement Policy: If you miss an exam for any reason,
you have the opportunity to make it up on May 2nd from 2-4:45. If you are unable to meet at
this time, please set up an alternative time with your TA. Missed exams must be made up by
May 2nd at 6:00 pm CST. This is a comprehensive exam. You may also replace your lowest
exam grade with the comprehensive make-up exam. If you need to take the make-up exam
or choose to replace your lowest exam grade, you must notify your TA via the WebCT
Discussion Board under the Make-Up Exam forum no later than April 28th noon CST. We
will keep a list of those who will be taking this exam.

Assignments (cases ): The following are basic criteria for the format of the case
analyses: 1) typed or word-processed; 2) double-spaced; 3) standard fonts (e.g., 12 pt)
and margins; 4) well-organized and grammatically correct; 5) identified alphabetically by
last name then first name, the course number and section - placed in the upper right-hand
corner of your paper; 6) contain a descriptive title; and 7) 1 – 2 pages in length.
Staple pages together. Do not use paper clips or attach your pages in any way other than
with a staple. Hand written, late or assignments sent as email will not be accepted and
you will not receive credit. If you plan to be absent make arrangements with a classmate
to turn in your assignment. It is your responsibility to make sure that I receive your
assignments on time. If your classmate fails to turn your assignment in to me, you will
not receive credit. I recommend that you retain a copy of your assignments.

For cases that are not completely contained in the textbook, you need to get onto the
textbook website to read the cases: www.mhhe.com/mchane3e . Thoroughly and
insightfully, answer the case questions found in your textbook. First, write out the
question then answer them in paragraph format. Avoid the overuse of bulletins or lists.
Feel free to create charts, graphs, etc. to illustrate your ideas. Integrate into your answer
relevant organizational behavior concepts. Do not limit yourself to the chapter from
which the cases are drawn.

Evaluation (in addition to the above criteria):

• A (90-100) ---Excellent: Understanding of all key issues; no important


analytical errors or omissions; concise, very well written and organized,
makes appropriate use of charts and tables.
• B (80-89) ---Good: Understanding of most issues; only a few important issues
not discussed; few analytical errors; well-written and well-organized, makes
appropriate use of charts and tables.
• C (70-79) ---Adequate: Understanding of many issues, but not all important
aspects covered; various analytical errors; excessive case recitation
unsupported by analysis; poorly written or organized, makes inappropriate use
of charts and table.
• D (below 60-69) ---Inadequate: Poor quality in all areas.
• 0---Handwritten or in other ways does not follow the criteria listed above.

Self-Assessments. Self-discovery is integral to the development of your


management skills. The self-assessments provided in your textbook and on the course
website will give you some insight into how and why you feel, think, and behave the way
you do. They will give you a foundation for managing your own and others’ behaviors.
It is expected that you will complete all of the assigned self-assessment exercises
including scoring the assessments. You may either photocopy the self-assessments or
recreate them on a word processor. Just make sure that you are neat – if I can’t read
them, you will not receive credit. There are no right or wrong answers. It is important
that you answer the assessments truthfully. That is, answer them as you are - not as you
wish to be. On days when both cases and self-assessments are due, staple the self-
assessment to the back page of the case analysis. Self-assessments will be evaluated as
follows:
A (100) – all portions of the self-assessment are completed
C – (75) portions of the self-assessment are missing
0 – the self-assessment was not turned in, was inadequate, or was incomprehensible

Re-grading Policy: If you do not think that your grade adequately reflects the
quality of your work, please let us know but be advised that the assignment will be re-
graded and that there is a possibility that the current grade may be lowered as well
increased. All requests for grade reviews must be made within one week after the grades
are posted on WebCT and a reason for the re-evaluation must be stated. Send a WebCT
email to me if you want me to re-evaluate your work. We will retain your homework
assignments for one week after they are due. You may pick them up from your TA.

Extra Credit:
You have one opportunity for extra credit. You may submit an analysis of an article (3
page maximum) obtained from a popular business magazine or newspaper (ex. Fast
Company, Business Week, Forbes, Wall Street Journal etc.). The summary should detail
how the article relates to a concept(s) we have discussed in class. Place your name and
course section in the upper right hand corner. Center the title of the article. Attach the
article to the back of the summary. Based on quality, I will add up to 5 points to your last
exam grade. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Attendance:
Although I will not take roll, attendance is crucial for several reasons:
1. You must be in class to complete the in-class written assignments and to submit your
homework.
2. The textbook is used as a supplement to the material presented in class. Because you
are responsible for all material during the examination phase of the course, you will be
at a substantial disadvantage if your attendance is poor.
3. You will learn some useful information.

If you must come to class late, please do so quietly. If you need to leave class early,
please get my approval at the beginning of the session.

Final Grade Calculation:

97 and above A+
92 to 96.99 A
89 to 91.99 A-
87 to 88.99 B+
82 to 86.99 B
79 to 81.99 B-
77 to 78.99 C+
72 to 76.99 C
69 to 71.99 C-
67 to 68.99 D+
62 to 66.99 D
59 to 61.99 D-
Below 59 F
I do not curve final grades. You have several opportunities to do well in this course. In
addition to the extra credit, you may take the comprehensive make-up exam to replace
your lowest grade. Additionally, a substantive portion of your grade is based on the
homework assignments. If you are not a great test-taker, you can improve your grade by
diligently working on these assignments. Finally, if I find problems with exam questions,
I will adjust the exam accordingly.

Posting Grades:
Each student is responsible for checking the status of his/her assignments and test grades
posted on the class web site. Any discrepancies must be brought to the attention of the
instructor no later than one week after the information has been posted to the site. No
changes in the posting will be considered after this date.

Cheating and Sexual Harassment:


Students are expected to be above reproach in all scholastic activities. Students who
engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the
possibility of failure in the course and dismissal from the university. You may also be
asked to verify your identification during examinations and class projects. Although I
believe in the inherent honesty of people, experience dictates that policies on cheating
must be strictly enforced. I strongly encourage you to let me know if you suspect that
cheating is taking place. Scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, the course, and the
integrity of the university. You may obtain information about your rights and obligations
regarding scholastic dishonesty at: www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/dishonesty.html.

Students are expected to treat one another with respect and dignity at all times. You may
obtain a copy of your rights and obligations regarding sexual harassment at:
www.utdallas.edu/utdgeneral/business/hr/sexual_harassment.htm.

Withdrawal Policy:
There has been a significant change in the undergraduate drop policy effective Fall 2004.
Withdrawal from a class after the 12th class day is a formal procedure which you must
initiate. I cannot do it for you. If you stop attending the class and do not officially
withdraw, you will receive a performance grade, usually an "F." Please familiarize
yourself with the withdrawal policy.

How to Succeed in this Course


Read me!
• Come to class. In class, I expand on some of the ideas and add other
supplemental information. I expect that you will read the chapter and have a
general understanding of the material prior to our discussing it. If you do not read
the material before class and/or do not attend class regularly you will have a very
difficult time making a satisfactory grade.
• Manage role conflict. If you must choose between reading and attending class (I
know life can get hectic) then it is best that you scan the text briefly to familiarize
yourself with the topic and then come to class.
• Complete all homework assignments. These assignments will enhance your
knowledge. Some will be collected for credit – all are important for your
learning.
• Take responsibility. Check your records on a weekly basis and notify your
instructor or teaching assistant immediately. Regularly check the course WebCT
site. Exam study guides, schedule modifications, etc. will be posted on this
platform.
• Be proactive. There is an internet connection to the textbook's Web site. From
this site you can access an interactive study guide, links to additional OB sites,
and up-to-date news articles linked to the text.
• Focus. You should be able to recognize definitions, descriptions, and
applications of the key terms. Pay particular attention to material presented in
class that is not covered in the book. This includes the examples and anecdotes I
provide. Highlight them in your notes.
• Take good notes. Reread your notes shortly after you leave class and at least
once more before you attend the next class. You will be surprised (or maybe not)
at how easy it is to think you understand something discussed in class, but then
you forget it by the next class meeting. Make outlines of your notes and readings.
• Get help when needed. If you need help with note taking or test taking skills,
contact the Student Counseling Center. If you need help in writing the term
paper, contact the Student Learning Center.
• Listen. Pay attention to the questions other class members ask. Do not engage in
conversations with classmates unless we are doing a group exercise.
• Contribute actively to group exercises. Free-riding hurts not only you but also
your group.
• Form study groups. You can learn from each other. One person’s weakness is
another’s strength. You will also benefit from other students’ perspectives.
• Don’t cram. As hard as it is not to, try not to cram! Start gathering your
materials and study early to yourself plenty of time to do a good job.
• Be careful! The scantron grading machine will count any answer wrong if it
perceives that two or more answers were given. Therefore, completely erase
answers you change. If you do not feel that you have erased completely, print the
letter corresponding to your answer to the right of the question number on the
scantron. I will evaluate these during the grading process and recalculate grades
accordingly. I will not change grades due to this error once the scantrons are
returned to you.
• Come to class with an open mind and willingness to learn. Organizational
Behavior is full of many interesting concepts. Whether or not you are working or
have a career, OB will apply to your daily life.
Schedule *

1/12 Syllabus; Icebreaker

1/19 Introduction to Organizational Behavior


Readings: Chapter 1

1/26 Individual Behavior, Values, and Personality

Readings: Chapter 2
Case: BusinessWeek Online: After Enron: The Ideal Corporation
pg. 69

Self-Assessment: Identifying Your Self-Monitoring Personality pg. 71

2/2 Perception and Learning in Organizations

Readings: Chapter 3
Case: BusinessWeek Online: No Way to Treat a Lady pg. 105

Self-Assessment: Assessing Your General Self-Efficacy pg. 107

2/9 Workplace Emotions and Attitudes; Motivation in the Workplace

Readings: Chapters 4 & 5


Case: BusinessWeek Online: CEO Coaches pg. 167

Self-Assessment: School Commitment Scale pg. 135

2/16 Exam 1
Reading: Chapter 6: Applied Performance Practices
2/23 Applied Performance Practices cont.; Work-Related Stress and
Stress Management

Readings: Chapters 6 & 7


Case: BusinessWeek Online: Rethinking the Rat Race pg. 229

Self-Assessments: Perceived Stress Scale Online pg. 231

3/2 Decision Making and Creativity

Readings: Chapter 8
Case: BusinessWeek Online: The Art of Brainstorming pg. 257

3/7 – 3/13 Spring Break

3/16 Foundations of Team Dynamics; Developing High Performance


Teams

Readings: Chapters 9, 10
Case: BusinessWeek Online: The New Teamwork pg. 320

Self-Assessment: Team Roles Preference Scale pg. 292

3/23 Exam 2
Reading Chapter 11: Communicating in Teams and Organizations

3/30 Communicating in Teams and Organizations cont.; Power and


Influence in the Workplace

Readings: Chapters 11 & 12


Case: BusinessWeek Online: Watch What You Put in That Office
E-Mail pg. 350
Case: BusinessWeek Online: A Whistle Blower Rocks an
Industry pg. 382

Self-Assessment: Active Skills Listening Inventory Online pg. 353


NOTE: Some of copies of this book incorrectly say in Appendix B that students have
high scores if they score 10 or above on each sub-scales and above 50 points for the total.
This should say above 6 points on the subscales and above 30 points on the total score.
4/6 Conflict and Negotiation in the Workplace

Readings: Chapter 13
Case: Conflict in Close Quarters pg. 410

Self-Assessment: The Dutch Test for Conflict Handling pg. 413

4/13 Leadership in Organizational Settings

Readings: Chapter 14
Case: BusinessWeek Online: Staying On Top pg. 439

Self-Assessment: Leaderships Dimensions Instrument pg. 440

Extra Credit: Due in class

4/20 Organizational Culture

Reading: Chapter 16

Self-Assessment: Corporate Culture Preference Scale pg. 499

4/27 Exam 3

4/28 noon CST Notification for Comprehensive Make-up

5/2 2:00 -4:45 Comprehensive Make-up Exam

* Chapters should be read and assignments completed prior to attending class.


This syllabus is flexible and may be adapted to meet the dynamics of the course. If
we have not completed all of the material by the exam date, the schedule will be
adjusted. The exam dates are fixed.
Instructions on How to Access Your Course on WebCT
UTD School of Management On-Campus Courses

- To get your login account for WebCT course(s):


1. Before you can login to your UTD WebCT course(s), you need a valid UTD NetID and
Password.

2. To get your UTD NetID and Password, go to:


https://netid.utdallas.edu/warp/servlet/WARP Please notice there is a letter "s" after http.
- To access your WebCT course(s):
1. Please go to the WebCT login page: http://webct.utdallas.edu

2. Click "Log in to My WebCT".

3. On the next page, enter your UTD NetID and Password into the WebCT ID and
Password boxes. Click the Log in button.

4. You should see a "My WebCT" page that contains a list of the course(s) you are enrolled
in.
To enter your course site, click the link of the course name. This will take you to the
course Homepage.

5. If you have trouble with your account and cannot login, contact the UTD Help Desk at
assist@utdallas.edu or call 972-883-2911 during normal working hours. Do not email
your instructor if you have login problems.
- What to do after entering your WebCT course(s):
1. The first page you see when you enter your course is the course Homepage that contains
several icons.

2. Please thoroughly read the course syllabus and then click on the other icons to become
familiar with the features and content of the course.

3. If you are new to WebCT online courses, please check out the "Getting Started" link

4. Also you may click Help menu on each WebCT page to access help information related
to that page or tool.(http://som.utdallas.edu/training/gettingstarted.htm) at the bottom of
the Homepage to go to a WebCT student orientation.

5. The bottom of the course homepage also contains a few other links which will provide
additional information on using WebCT course tools and features.

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