Advanced knowledge of organization theories. This course is reserved to master of science/master degree students (i.e. the Italian “laurea magistrale”).
Companies influence society because they control an important portion of our lives as individuals, workers, consumers, and even citizens. At the same time, society influences companies because companies need social legitimation in order to survive and/or be successful. Against this backdrop, the goals of this course are to develop the conceptual foundations, frameworks and methods for analysing, and understanding the intersection between companies and society, by focusing on some hot and controversial topics. More specifically, the course addresses, in a critical lens, topics that represent a breaking point in the balance between the company’s interests and social interests. At the end of this course, students will be able to analyse and understand both organizational and social impacts of the topics covered during the course.
The course is organized around the following topics:
• Creativity and creativity management;
• Diffusion, adoption, and use of innovations;
• Smartworking;
• Diversity management.
Lectures, exercises, and discussion of case studies.
* Attending students will be evaluated on the following components:
- Individual class participation (max. 16 points) – This course is organized as a seminar, thus your ability to participate actively is critical for creating a good learning environment.
- Individual case analysis (max. 24 points) – During one of the last lessons (December), I will give you – in class – a case you must analyzed.
- Team assignments (max. 30 points) – Each team will be asked to perform a series of in-class/out-of-the-class activities (discussions, exercises, etc.) that address issues related to the course content.
- Team paper/final presentation (max. 30 points) – Each team must choose a social topic and prepare a paper about this topic. Each team will also present this paper to the class during one of the last lessons (further information will be provided).
At the end of the overall activities, the score in the 100-point scale will be converted in a grade in the Italian 30-point scale (the minimum number of points is 60).
* Non attending students will be evaluated on the following components:
- The term paper (max. 60 points) - The term paper should be an informed analysis, both theoretical and practical, of one of the social topics of this course. The topic of the paper should be approved by prof. Stefano Basaglia. Non-attending students should contact prof. Stefano Basaglia during the course - and in any case before the exam session you would like to attend (at least 15/20 days before the exam session) - with a proposal regarding the topic. After his approval, they can work on their paper. The points attributed to the term paper will be considered valid also in case of withdrawal from the take home exam or failed take home exams.
The take home exam (max. 40 points) - Three days before the day of the exam session you would like to attend, you will receive at your institutional email address your personalize take home exam (different students will receive different exams). You will have 48-72 hours in order to complete the exam. The exam will be composed by several newspaper articles (e.g. one/three articles) and several questions (e.g. three/four questions). You must read the enclosed articles and answer the questions by using the proper theory/framework/concepts. Further information will be provided in the exam text you will receive.
At the end of the overall activities, the score in the 100-point scale will be converted in a grade in the Italian 30-point scale (the minimum number of points is 60).
* Section on creativity will be taught by Prof. Barbara Slavich (http://www.ieseg.fr/en/faculty-and-research/professor/?id=1631).