Organizational Leadership, BS

This course covers the basic scientific methods used in empirical research and the various approaches to this type of research. Topics addressed in this course include research hypotheses, defining variables, survey construction, sampling, data collection, and statistical techniques. Students will write a research proposal that will lay the foundation for their Applied Research Project.

Students will examine models of leadership, focusing on the importance of strategic thinking, managing change, and assessment of leadership behaviors and managerial style so as to develop a personal growth plan for improving leadership performance.

Students consider the relationships between culture and the world of work. They discover how the environment, especially the workplace, has been shaped by the value and life experiences of various ethnic and racial groups. Meets the general education global foundations requirement.

Students discuss ethical theory and social and personal values as they relate to contemporary life. Principles of ethical decision-making from an orthodox Christian perspective will also be addressed. Meets the general education upper division writing intensive requirement.

Students learn how individuals and organizations function as complex systems and gain the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to understand and diagnose the various factors affecting organizational performance.

Students will discover the influence of psychology in the theories and practices related to human behavior in the workplace. Topics include job analysis, employee selection, design and evaluation of training, employee motivation and satisfaction, and evaluation of performance.

Servant Leadership, a leadership theory grounded in the work of Jesus 2,000 years ago and validated in research, proposes that great influence is wielded by those who operate with Christ-like virtues such as humility and altruism, channeled by the Biblical concept of an active love for others. This is more than a spiritual concept. It is a call to discipleship: to learning a way of being and doing as Jesus' disciples did. This course challenges students to think about and act on a way of changing the world by serving others.

Organizational Leadership majors will demonstrate critical reasoning, reflection and analysis skills in addressing a real world leadership issue. Students will define a specific research goal, gather quantitative data, analyze it, and draw conclusions resulting in recommendations for further research or interventions. Prerequisite: LEAD 303, LEAD 309, and LEAD 317

Group Dynamics is designed to provide students with the ability to evaluate, coordinate, and manage groups within an organizational setting. In order to assist students in the acquisition and practice of these skills, the course incorporates theory and practical application into the classroom setting. Students are encouraged to critically question and evaluate new concepts based on their professional experience. Prerequisite: PSYC 101

Employers have cited the high need for effective interpersonal communication skills among college graduates in surveys over the last twenty years. Communications skills are basic to developing a positive workplace, teamwork, sales, and productivity. Such skills include not only knowing how to state information and opinions in a way others will hear them, but also encouraging two-way communication through effective listening. This course will enable users to reflect on their own communications skills and create self-growth plans for improving them.

Students refine both written and oral presentation skills. Presenting ideas, reports, and proposals clearly and concisely are the primary goals of this course.