Back to Organizational Analysis
Stanford University

Organizational Analysis

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.

Status: Analysis
Status: Case Studies
BeginnerCourse25 hours

Featured reviews

AV

5.0Reviewed Dec 26, 2016

I am impressed and exceptionally satisfied passing the course. Very useful, presents range of theories and points of view, combined with real life cases and in-depth explanations. Thank you!

JV

5.0Reviewed Aug 18, 2017

Absolutely wonderful course. With an amazing professor. Really impressed with the quality of the content, discussion forums, and presentations. Congratulations and thank you

MK

5.0Reviewed 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.

AA

5.0Reviewed 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.

GJ

5.0Reviewed Jun 21, 2024

The course was in super detail with technical and with valid examples. The assessment was super tough but I like it, studied in detail. The trainer was very niece indeed.

MT

5.0Reviewed Apr 12, 2022

Best course for understanding organisations and a lot about it....loved every part of it! The way things were explained it was so easy to understand..Thank you to the faculty!!

KL

4.0Reviewed Sep 3, 2021

Excellent overview. Quizzes should provide better feedback though to why answers are incorrect. Final exam should be omitted for people not interested in certificate of completion,

JV

5.0Reviewed Nov 11, 2017

I think I would have given an overview at the beginning, kind of a framework, to put all theories and aspects in place. Excellent. Including the videos discussing the questions of the students.

BL

5.0Reviewed Jan 28, 2018

Very interesting course. It provides a broad perspective on how organizations are structured and shaped, with lots of theory as well as practical examples and cases. Well done!

JF

5.0Reviewed May 21, 2023

Very complete! A great introduction to organizational theory, providing different models and perspectives to look at organizations, their behavior, their components, and their environment.

MW

5.0Reviewed Oct 14, 2020

This was a very extensive and information rich course. I learnt so much that will be highly beneficial to my endeavors and advancement. Very happy that I encountered and engaged in this study.

AA

5.0Reviewed Jul 28, 2024

This is one of the best courses I took on Coursera! I learnt concepts and understood them in a way I haven't before. The instructor is excellent. I hope they continue to keep teaching.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 479

Saeed
1.0
Reviewed Mar 22, 2020
Emiliano Calderón
3.0
Reviewed Jul 10, 2020
Deleted Account
1.0
Reviewed Oct 16, 2017
Kriszta Solymosi
3.0
Reviewed Apr 28, 2020
Heather Brod
1.0
Reviewed Jul 18, 2020
Soumya Meher
1.0
Reviewed Sep 20, 2020
Alessandro Fusco
2.0
Reviewed Mar 27, 2019
Jesus del Valle
5.0
Reviewed Nov 12, 2017
Roxana Piana
3.0
Reviewed Sep 3, 2019
YYZ YFHW
3.0
Reviewed Apr 2, 2020
fabio atencia
5.0
Reviewed Jul 4, 2019
Melisha Williams
5.0
Reviewed Oct 14, 2020
Subbaiah S M
5.0
Reviewed Mar 29, 2017
Jos Maccabiani
4.0
Reviewed Aug 17, 2019
ZEN Christafarian
5.0
Reviewed Sep 3, 2019
Othmar Dendorfer
1.0
Reviewed Aug 9, 2021
Novella Cocetta
1.0
Reviewed Mar 7, 2021
Aslı Meral
1.0
Reviewed Jan 20, 2020
Chris Stair
3.0
Reviewed Mar 3, 2020
Helena Herbst
1.0
Reviewed Nov 5, 2020