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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Organizational Analysis by Stanford University

4.6
stars
1,647 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

MT

Apr 11, 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!!

HW

May 16, 2020

I thought this was a fantastic course. It's the first course I've taken online and I just hope they are all this good. Thank you for putting this together! It's a huge help to me.

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251 - 275 of 477 Reviews for Organizational Analysis

By Daniel R R U

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Jul 29, 2017

Great course! It's a must for anyone who works in an organization.

By Amy A A

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Feb 26, 2021

An excellent course for those considering a career in management.

By Mulugeta A

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Aug 19, 2020

it is essential to all organized your organization, and mangeing.

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 5, 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 27, 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 Leandro D R

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Apr 11, 2025

Muito bom, com um conteúdo amplo e diversificado.

By Aulia A P

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Apr 13, 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 17, 2019

Challenging and relevant! I highly recommend it1

By Mongi D K

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Sep 9, 2025

Can't seem to get the certificate. Please help.

By Dia N

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Feb 18, 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!!!!