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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Organizational Analysis by Stanford University

4.6
stars
1,609 ratings

About the Course

In this introductory, self-paced course, you will learn multiple theories of organizational behavior and apply them to actual cases of organizational change. Organizations are groups whose members coordinate their behaviors in order to accomplish a shared goal. They can be found nearly everywhere in today’s society: universities, start-ups, classrooms, hospitals, non-profits, government bureaus, corporations, restaurants, grocery stores, and professional associations are some of many examples of organizations. Organizations are as varied and complex as they are ubiquitous: they differ in size and internal structure; they can entail a multiplicity of goals and tasks (some of which are planned and others unplanned!); they are made up of individuals whose goals and motivations may differ from those of the group; and they must interact with other organizations and deal with environmental constraints in order to be successful. This complexity frequently results in a myriad of problems for organizational participants and the organization’s survival. In this course, we will use organizational theories to systematically analyze how an organization operates and can best be managed. Organizational theories highlight certain features of an organization’s structure and environment, as well as its processes of negotiation, production, and change. Each provides a lens for interpreting novel organizational situations and developing a sense for how individual and group behaviors are organized. Theories are valuable for the analyst and manager because most organizational problems are unique to the circumstances and cannot be solved by simple rules of thumb. Armed with a toolset of organizational theories, you will be able to systematically identify important features of an organization and the events transforming it; choose a theoretical framework most applicable to the observed mode of organizing; and use that theory to determine which actions will best redirect the organization in desired directions. In sum, the course has three goals: to become familiar with a series of real-world organizational phenomena; to learn different theoretical perspectives that can elucidate these phenomena; and to apply these different ways of “seeing” and managing organizations to cases. In such a fashion, the course is designed to actively bridge theory and practice, exposing students to a variety of conceptual tools and ways to negotiate novel situations....

Top reviews

AA

Apr 30, 2020

This course provides in-depth analyses of a host of organizational theories and their application in real life. The dissection of each case and the applicability of the theories are really insightful.

MK

Mar 22, 2024

This course expanded my thought process beyond organizational change. Organizational creation and stability are now included in my engagement model. Thank you Professor McFarland, team and partners.

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426 - 450 of 469 Reviews for Organizational Analysis

By Rajendra K

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Oct 19, 2022

The course should have included examples from corporate organizations.

By Victor E M A

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Jan 23, 2017

Very good theoretical basis to understand the reality of organizations.

By Amit J

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Jul 8, 2017

Great content and explanation. Thanks Professor and the academic team!

By Wilford J

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Aug 12, 2024

This course was a lot more interesting than I thought it would be.

By Yousif

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Aug 16, 2022

very effecient and effective course with many cases and examples.

By Vikram

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Sep 9, 2022

Wonderful explanation with case studies by STANDFORD professors.

By Chandra S

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Feb 10, 2022

Very quality level assignment . No any cons factor for learning .

By Daryl L

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Nov 28, 2021

The only thing I found lacking was a list of reference texts

By Pooja G

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Sep 22, 2020

Explaination was good in these course and good content

By Pradeep D

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May 1, 2020

Good content..need very focused learning to pass.

By Ksenija R

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Dec 19, 2020

Boring course, I would like more examples.

By Jeroen O

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Nov 22, 2017

Very interesting course, easy to follow!

By Andres A

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Jul 23, 2020

Mr Mcfarland is a great professor

By Md. R

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Jul 15, 2024

It was an amazing experience.

By Louis U A

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Jun 4, 2018

Was enriched by the lessons.

By Shikha s

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Dec 29, 2017

Amazing learning experience.

By Ye M T

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Jan 15, 2021

It's quite challenging.

By yashaswini

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Apr 2, 2018

GREAT LECTURES & TOPIC

By Ing. P G

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Sep 7, 2017

great very deep course

By Zirak T

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Jul 5, 2024

One of the best

By sergio

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Apr 14, 2020

was good -

By DI D

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Nov 8, 2021

Nice

By Jayesh J

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Apr 20, 2025

nice

By Deleted A

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Sep 8, 2021

ok

By Karim A

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Jan 9, 2018

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