Organization Studies

Chair: Janice Jacobs, Ph.D., RODC, CSC

The business environment today is increasingly complex, competitive, diverse, global and virtual. Organizations are faced with the more complicated tasks of managing people and creating an environment where people want to lead themselves. Both art and science, leadership is now a role played by all and needed everywhere across organizations. Successful workers are those who lead themselves, care about their work and engage effectively with others, are open to change, and are conscientious, optimistic and energetic. This program focuses on these qualities and hones the role of self-leadership as the foundation for making positive contributions to the organization and society at large.

A transformative, integrative experience, students develop a leadership vision in both professional and personal contexts. Accepted from all industries, profit and non-profit, students learn through each other’s experience what works and what is ineffective when interacting with and influencing others. Application of classroom learning to the work setting is key to student success. By applying learning, students see their leadership curve develop over time. Applicable business courses round out the student experience.

As a result of this program of study, successful students will play an active role in leading change appropriate to their level in their organization through:

• Setting and working on goals relevant to their work context
• Increasing understanding of individual, group and organizational dynamics that impact the capacity to change
• Intervening when appropriate and at the right level to facilitate the capacity to change (given student role in their organization)
• Utilizing various methodologies for problem-solving, decision-making and conflict utilization skills
• Applying business skills to their work in their organization

Programs of Study