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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Organizational Analysis by Stanford University

4.6
stars
1,591 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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251 - 275 of 465 Reviews for Organizational Analysis

By Felisha M

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Jul 12, 2022

It is a bit packed with information but overall very informative

By Stefan K

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Nov 25, 2017

Very comprehensive course, often dense, but highly informative!

By Melissa B

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Apr 6, 2023

Excellent course! Provided a plethora of valuable information!

By Tin L

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May 29, 2017

Great course. Course tutor was excellent and relatable.

By Bill N

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Aug 18, 2018

Relevant and interesting. I would certainly recommend.

By May S

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Apr 8, 2017

A must attend for any student in organisation studies!

By Venkatachala S N

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Jun 26, 2021

This was a roller coaster ride , i have learned a lot

By Alberto D D

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Mar 28, 2023

One of the best courses I’ve ever taken on Coursera.

By Christina A

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Jun 15, 2023

Fantastic course. I will miss McFarland's lectures.

By Rob P

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Feb 26, 2018

Fascinating material covered with lots of examples.

By Richa S

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Apr 13, 2018

Case and Applications where very interesting. Quiz

By Richard C

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Aug 31, 2017

A really eye opening and thought provoking course.

By Aulia A P

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Apr 14, 2017

the best way to learn organization and analyze it

By Navindra J

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Jun 30, 2021

Interesting content and very informative course.

By Max B

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Nov 18, 2019

Challenging and relevant! I highly recommend it1

By Dia N

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Feb 19, 2019

it was such a great experience enhanced my mind

By Betzabeth S

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Jun 8, 2020

Excellent material and instruction. Thank you.

By JOHN Q

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Oct 4, 2017

Interesting and enjoyable course. Thank you!

By Ernst-Stephen P

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Jul 31, 2017

Useful information on Organizational Analysis!

By Cristóvão S F

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Feb 15, 2024

Este curso superou as minhas espectativas!!!!

By Divya T

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May 19, 2022

I thoughly enjoyed the course at coursera :-)

By Tania Z S

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Jan 17, 2021

Muy buen curso, ojalá y fuera más actualizado

By Nyam-Ochir B (

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Dec 11, 2016

Excellent course! Highly recommended to take.

By Benjamin Z

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Jan 7, 2025

Great input! Good to create impact directly!

By Ketevan K

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Aug 2, 2019

Very Interesting course, I loved everything!