ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

BA 3361, section 5 FALL 2009

Class Meeting Senior Lecturer: Dan Bochsler
Tues and Thurs 10:00am-11:15am, SOM 2.112 Office: SOM 4.208
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 2:00 – 3:00 PM Email: dan.bochsler@utdallas.edu
or by appointment Phone (UTD office): (972) 883-5833

COURSE PRE-REQUISITES, CO-REQUISITES, AND/OR OTHER RESTRICTIONS:

None.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is built around the importance and diversity of human interaction in successful organizations. The effective
performance of people, management and leadership of organizations requires understanding of the complexities related
to people. Challenges facing organizations can be handled effectively with a solid understanding of human behavior,
both personal and interpersonal. Highly motivated and committed employees and leaders are critical for organizational
success and effectiveness. Organizations fail or succeed, decline or prosper because of what people do or do not do
every day on the job. Long-term competitive advantage results from the integration of individual, managerial, and team-
based behavior in an organization.
The challenges both existing and new organizations face from constant innovation, changing competitive dynamics, and
geo-political influences make it important for you to gain an appreciation for organizational behavior and relationships.
This course provides an integrated social science approach to understanding organizational issues. This course explores
theories and concepts derived from diverse fields including psychology, sociology, economics and anthropology. The
topics include: learning and motivation; attitudes, values and ethics; perception; communication; leadership; team and
group dynamics; decision making; power and politics; conflict and negotiation; organizational structure.
We will also include a flavor of issues faced in entrepreneurial environments. New and rapidly growing organizations
face multiple stresses from many directions. In particular, self-awareness, team dynamics and group behavior effects are
amplified and must carefully and quickly evolve. Future options, flexibility, and success depend on it.
This course will include a combination of lectures, discussion, video, and case analysis to provide an integrated feel for
individuals, leaders, teams and structures within an organization.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
 Describe a framework for organizational behavior.
 Explain the basic sources and characteristics of personality that affect behavior.
 Identify the main factors that influence what individuals perceive.
 Explain the motivational process and how goal setting affects performance.
 Understand interpersonal communication and how different personalities react to stressful situations.
 Describe the differences between leadership and management, and the role of power and political behavior in
leadership processes.
 State the basic features of groups and teams, understanding the main factors that influence team effectiveness.
 Discuss conflict and how it relates to negotiations between people and external groups.
 Understand concepts and principles for ethical decisions.
 Explain organizational creativity and how to foster it.
 Understand how environmental, strategic, and technological factors affect the design and structure of
organizations.
BA 3361 section 5 Syllabus Fall 2009 Bochsler - 080509 baseline 4 1
Senior Lecturer: Dan Bochsler
Revised: July 29, 2009
Printed: August 5, 2009
  Discuss how organizational culture is formed, sustained, and changed, and why cultural diversity is important.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:

 Textbook: Organizational Behavior, 12th edition, Hellriegel and Slocum, South-Western.
 For each and every exam: bring a new, unused blue book document and scantron form to each exam.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS & CALENDAR:

Date Topics Preparation
Session 01 Introduction Start reading
8/20 1. Outline of the course ch.1; consider
self-assessment.
2. Workplace video: Whirlpool – 6:43, discussion
3. Lecture
4. Optional, extra credit opportunity with written Self-Assessment in Chapter 1.
Session 02 Ch 1, 2 Read ch 1, 2;
8/25 1. Lecture Come to class
prepared to
2. Bizflix: Mr. Baseball – 1:47, discussion
discuss
Session 03 Ch 1, 2 Come prepared to
8/27 1. Lecture, continued discuss topics
from chapter(s).
2. Workplace video: Zingerman’s Deli – 7:38, discussion
3. Bizflix: Reality Bites – 1:22, discussion questions
Session 04 Ch 3 Read ch 3;
optional written
9/1 1. Lecture
self-assessment
2. Workplace video: The Little Guys – 7:47, discussion due at start of
3. Optional: Turn in written self-assessment assignment class.
Session 05 Ch 3 Come prepared to
discuss topics
9/3 1. Lecture, continued
from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: The Breakfast Club – 2:23, discussion questions
Session 06 Ch 4 Read ch 4
9/8 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: Honda – 8:42, discussion
Session 07 Ch 4 Come prepared to
discuss topics
9/10 1. Lecture, continued
from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: Seabiscuit – 2:08, discussion questions
Session 08 Ch 5 Read ch 5
9/15 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: Washburn Guitars – 7:06, discussion
3. Bizflix video: For Love of the Game – 1:42, discussion questions
Session 09 Ch 6 Read ch 6; Come
prepared to
9/17 1. Lecture
discuss topics
2. Bizflix video: 8 Mile – 2:02, discussion questions from chapter(s)
Session 10 Ch 7 Read ch 7
9/22 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: Allstate – 7:49, discussion
Session 11 Ch 7 Come prepared to
discuss topics
9/24 1. Lecture, continued
from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: Meet the Parents – 1:52, discussion questions

BA 3361 section 5 Syllabus Fall 2009 Bochsler - 080509 baseline 4 2

Senior Lecturer: Dan Bochsler
Revised: July 29, 2009
Printed: August 5, 2009
 Session 12 Exam #1 Review chapters 1
through 7.
9/29
Session 13 Ch 8 Read ch 8;
consider start
10/1 1. Lecture
looking at case
2. Workplace video: Navistar International – 7:37, discussion analysis.
3. Consider start looking at and starting on your Written Case Analysis
Session 14 Ch 9 Read ch 9
10/6 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: Second City Theater – 8:42, discussion
Session 15 Ch 9 Come prepared to
discuss topics
10/8 1. Lecture, continued
from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: U-571 – 2:00, discussion questions
Session 16 Ch 10 Read ch 10
10/13 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: McDonalds – 5:56, discussion
Session 17 Ch 10 Come prepared to
discuss topics
10/15 1. Lecture, continued
from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: Field of Dreams – 3:48, discussion questions
Session 18 Ch 11 Read ch 11
10/20 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: Cold Stone Creamery – 7:49, discussion
Session 19 Ch 11 Come prepared to
discuss topics
10/22 1. Lecture, continued
from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: Apollo 13 – 2:00, discussion questions
Session 20 Ch 12 Read ch 12
10/27 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: Yahoo! – 6:59, discussion
Session 21 Ch 12 Come prepared to
discuss topics
10/29 1. Lecture, continued
from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: Scarface – 2:05, discussion questions
Session 22 Exam #2 Review chapters 8
through 12
11/3
Session 23 Ch 13 Read ch 13
11/5 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: McDonalds – 6:25, discussion
3. Bizflix video: The Emperor’s Club – 1:56, discussion questions
Session 24 Ch 14 Read ch 14
11/10 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: Boyne USA – 8:20, discussion
Session 25 Ch 14 Come prepared to
discuss topics
11/12 1. Lecture, continued
from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: Casino – 1:33, discussion questions
Session 26 Ch 15 Read ch 15
11/17 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: Caterpillar – 10:37, discussion

BA 3361 section 5 Syllabus Fall 2009 Bochsler - 080509 baseline 4 3

Senior Lecturer: Dan Bochsler
Revised: July 29, 2009
Printed: August 5, 2009
 Session 27 Ch 15 Come prepared to
discuss topics
11/19 1. Lecture, continued from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: Backdraft – 1:46, discussion questions
Session 28 Written Case Analysis Due beginning of Class Hardcopy of your
written analysis
11/24 1. General discussion of case must be turned in
at class start
Session 29 No Class – Thanksgiving Holiday
11/26
Session 30 Ch 16 Read ch 16
12/1 1. Lecture
2. Workplace video: Hard Rock Cafe – 7:15, discussion
Session 31 Ch 16 Come prepared to
discuss topics
12/3 1. Lecture, continued from chapter(s)
2. Bizflix video: Back to the Future part 2 – 1:57, discussion questions
Session 32 No Class – Reading and Study day prior to last exam
12/8
Session 33 Exam #3 Review chapters
13 through 16
12/10

COURSE GRADING:
The list of assigned readings and class activity is contained in the course calendar above. The grading values are as
follows based on a total of 105 possible points:
Exam #1 23 points (possible)
Exam #2 23 points (possible)
Exam #3 23 points (possible)
Written Case analysis: 15 points (possible)
Workplace Video Assignments 8 points (possible)
Attendance, class discussion: 8 points (possible)
Extra credit: 5 points; 1 time opportunity – self assessment review from Chapter 1
You are expected to read each assigned chapter. Exams will assume you have read the chapters, and quality of your
class participation will depend on it. I will not cover all elements of a chapter during lectures. Grades will be assigned
according to the following scale:
Points Grade Points Grade
98 – 100+ A+ 73 – 76 C
94 – 97 A 70 – 72 C-
90 – 93 A- 67 – 69 D+
87 – 89 B+ 63 – 66 D
83 – 86 B 60 - 62 D-
80 - 82 B- Less than 60 F
77 – 79 C+

BA 3361 section 5 Syllabus Fall 2009 Bochsler - 080509 baseline 4 4

Senior Lecturer: Dan Bochsler
Revised: July 29, 2009
Printed: August 5, 2009
Exams
Exams will consist of a mix of one or more of the following types of questions: multiple choice, true/false, and short
answer. Each exam will count for up to Twenty-three (23) points of your grade.
Written Case Analysis
There is one written case analysis assignment.
 Evaluation. Fifteen (15) points of your grade will be based on an individual written assignment. Written
assignments will be evaluated on multiple factors, including (a) fully addressing the requirements; (b) critical
evaluation and effective insights into the case situation; (c) demonstrated ability to apply the course concepts
and frameworks in your analysis; (d) logical conclusions and effective recommendations; and (e) effective
communications. A written evaluation and critique will be provided on all graded papers.
 Assigned Case. The assigned case is from your textbook in the Integrating Cases section entitled: “A Novice
Manager’s Tale of Woe.”
 Format. This written assignment should consist of 3-4 pages. The use of charts and exhibits on separate pages is
encouraged, to the extent that they help you make your points. Cover pages, charts or exhibits, and lists of references
will not be included in the page count. Charts and exhibits should be numbered and appropriately referenced in the
body of the document. A list of references should be attached as required. The written manuscript should use 11-12
point type, double-spaced, with 1” margins all around. Appropriate titles and section headings should be used. Binders
and report covers are neither necessary nor desired. Number the pages, put the course number and your name at
the top of each page and staple in the upper left corner.

 Guidelines. Discussion questions for the case are provided at the end of the case in the textbook to help you to
focus your analysis. You are encouraged to discuss the case, with the understanding that individual assignments
(including tables and figures) are to be prepared and written by yourself. The following general approach to
case analysis is recommended.
 Read the case. Identify the key issues and decisions/actions required (the case questions will help you to focus on the
key issues). Prioritize the issues in terms of urgency and importance.
 Decide what kind of recommendations should be made (and to whom)
 Choose appropriate analytical tools/frameworks from those introduced in the course
 Analyze the situation thoroughly using the frameworks and concepts provided in the textbook
 Draw logical conclusions based on your analysis
 Make specific recommendations for action in response to the questions posed in the case (what should be done, who
should do it, when and in what sequence)
In general, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers for a case – different approaches and insights are possible,
depending on your individual perspective. Regardless, you are expected to draw logical conclusions and (if
appropriate) make recommendations that: (a) address the identified issues; (b) follow logically from your analysis
and conclusions; and (c) make sense (are feasible) in the context of the case situation.
 Due Date and Late Paper Policy: A printed copy of the written assignment is due at the beginning of class on the
date assigned as shown in the Course Calendar. Individual papers turned in within one week after the due date will
be graded, but 10 points will be deducted. Late papers received more than one week after the due date will receive
a zero. Exceptions may be made if circumstances warrant, and you contact the instructor in reasonable advance of
the due date.
Workplace Video Assignments
Within the eLearning system, a very short video clip is available to view related to each course textbook chapter. It
is suggested that this be viewed at the beginning of or together with your reading of each chapter. Also, a short list
of questions is included for each video clip. Eight (8) points of your grade will be based on your submission of
written answers for any 8 of the total of 16 chapter video question sets available in the course eLearning system.
Written answers are to be submitted according to the instructions provided in the eLearning system for the course.
BA 3361 section 5 Syllabus Fall 2009 Bochsler - 080509 baseline 4 5
Senior Lecturer: Dan Bochsler
Revised: July 29, 2009
Printed: August 5, 2009
Attendance and Class Participation
It is fundamental to your success in this class that you attend regularly. Attendance, advance preparation and
enthusiastic participation in class discussions (example: lecture points, video related discussions, etc.) is an important
part of the learning experience in this course and will be evaluated. Notes will be taken on participation, and points will
be assigned based on these notes and perceptions. Eight (8) points of your grade will be based on the quality of your
preparation and active participation in class discussions and exercises. From time to time, it may be necessary to miss a
class due to illness or personal business. Please let me know in advance. Keep in mind that written assignments must be
emailed by the due date, regardless. If attendance or participation becomes an issue, your grade will be impacted.
Extra Credit Points Optional Opportunity
At your individual option, you may review, perform and document the “Experiential Exercise: Self Competency” found
in Chapter 1 of the textbook. Five (5) points will be added to your grade if you review, perform the assessment for all
70 statements of knowledge/skills/abilities listed as they relate to you individually, and provide a 1 to 2 page written
summary of your findings. The written format can be of your choosing, but must include a summary of your profile
numbers for each Competency category, and a brief summary answer for each of the 3 questions listed at the end of the
self competency exercise section in the book. The intent is to give you the opportunity to become more aware of the
wide range of personal and interpersonal aspects that you will likely encounter in your life. The written assignment
must be turned in on or before the due date as noted in the Course Calendar above. No late credit or partial credit will
be given.

COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR POLICIES:

Classroom Conduct. Students are expected to behave professionally as college learners, and not distract others or
interfere with their learning. Remember:
 Silence all cell phones and pagers.
 Avoid text messaging or laptop email in class; none will be allowed during exams.
 Take good notes
 Arrive on time, and don’t leave early.
 Respect all opinions and cultures in class. You are expected to be open minded and willing to learn and experience.
The class will not be a forum for any student to personally advance any cultural, religious, or political viewpoint
beyond the scope of the material considered pertinent to the course.

eLearning. You will need to sign up for an eLearning account for use during this class. This will be the method of
communication that I will use to post class related announcements, class support information including syllabus, and
class session related study items and assignments. Direct any email communication to me through eLearning. A
University policy to product student privacy directs that faculty are not required to answer student emails unless they
are from a UTD account. This means that I will not respond to emails unless they come through eLearning. You should
be able to access eLearning with your UTD ID and password. Call computer services at (972)-883-2911 if you need
assistance, and view UTD website resources to become familiar with the eLearning system.

BA 3361 section 5 Syllabus Fall 2009 Bochsler - 080509 baseline 4 6

Senior Lecturer: Dan Bochsler
Revised: July 29, 2009
Printed: August 5, 2009
UNIVERSITY POLICIES:
Technical Support. If you experience any problems with your UTD account, you may send an email to: assist@utdallas.edu or call
the UTD Computer Helpdesk at 972-883-2911.
Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities. Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state
law and University policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information regarding these rules and
regulations may be found at the website address http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs /Travel_Risk_Activities.htm. Additional
information is available from the office of the school dean. Below is a description of any travel and/or risk-related activity associated
with this course.
There is no course activity applicable to this Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities provision.
Student Conduct & Discipline. The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations for
the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and each student organization to be
knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct
and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered students each academic year.
The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of recognized and established due process.
Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and Regulations, Series 50000, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System,
and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these
rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist
students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391) and online at
http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/UTDJudicialAffairs-HOPV.html .
A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship. He or she is expected to obey
federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to
discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or criminal
penalties are also imposed for such conduct.
Academic Integrity. The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of
an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student
demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.
Scholastic Dishonesty, any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty
includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the
submission as one’s own work or material that is not one’s own. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating,
plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person,
taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.
Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other source is unacceptable and will be
dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of
turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.
Copyright Notice. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other
reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted
works may infringe the copy right owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as
criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under
the Copyright Act. As a UT Dallas student, you are required to follow the institution’s copyright policy (Policy Memorandum 84-I.3-
46). For more information about the fair use exemption, see http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm .
Email Use. The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and
students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in
an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a student’s U.T. Dallas email
address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows
the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the
transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with
university personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T.
Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.
Withdrawal from Class. The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses. These
dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's
responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any student. You must do
the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you
are enrolled.
Student Grievance Procedures. Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities, of
the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.
BA 3361 section 5 Syllabus Fall 2009 Bochsler - 080509 baseline 4 7
Senior Lecturer: Dan Bochsler
Revised: July 29, 2009
Printed: August 5, 2009
In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the
obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or
committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”). Individual faculty members retain primary
responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted in
writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided
by the respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the School Dean’s
decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and
convene an Academic Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic appeals
process will be distributed to all involved parties.
Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are
available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations.
Incomplete Grade Policy. As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at the
semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8)
weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete
grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of F.
Disability Services. The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities equal to those of
their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday,
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:
The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)
disabilityservice@utdallas.edu
If you anticipate issues related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services.
The Coordinator is available to discuss ways to ensure your full participation in the course. If you determine that formal, disability-
related accommodations are necessary, it is very important that you be registered with Disability Services to notify them of your
eligibility for reasonable accommodations. Disability Services can then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.
It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an accommodation. Disability Services provides
students with letters to present to faculty members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals
requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office hours.
Religious Holy Days. The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for the travel to
and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax
Code, Texas Code Annotated.
The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding the absence, preferably in advance
of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time
after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student who notifies the instructor
and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or
assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment.
If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of observing a religious holy day] or if
there is similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or
examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief executive officer of the institution, or his or her
designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and
instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

BA 3361 section 5 Syllabus Fall 2009 Bochsler - 080509 baseline 4 8

Senior Lecturer: Dan Bochsler
Revised: July 29, 2009
Printed: August 5, 2009