Complex Organizations (Sociology 344) Spring 2010

Instructor: Dr. Tim Dunn Office: Fulton Hall 270 Office Hours: MWF 1:15-2:15, T/Th 12:30-1:30, & by appt. Web Page (class links): http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~tjdunn/ Phone & email: [email protected] 410-543-6432 Mail box: 280 Fulton Hall, Sociology Dept. office

Texts: Mills, Albert J., Tony Simmons, and Jean Helms Mills. 2005 Reading Organizational Theory: A Critical Approach to the Study of Organizational Behavior and Structure. Toronto: Garamond Press. 3rdnd edition. Bamford, James. 2008 The Shadow Factory: The Ultra-Secret NSA from 9/11 to the Eavesdropping on America. New York: Doubleday. McLean, Bethany and Peter Elkind. 2004 The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron. New York: Portfolio (Penguin Group). Schneider, Andrew and David McCumber. 2004 An Air that Kills: How the Asbestos Poisoning of Libby, Montana Uncovered a National Scandal. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Group). & various assigned readings on class web site.

I. Course Overview and Objectives: The modern world is shaped and even dominated by powerful, large, complex organizations (i.e., bureaucracies), governmental and private & corporate– e.g., universities and schools, governmental agencies, banks and corporations, media empires, etc. Our lives are intertwined with them in countless ways. They are one of the principal means for exercising power in society and structuring it; they are a key mechanism connecting individuals to the larger society. Bureaucracies are also inherently undemocratic, but yet are central forms of social organization in democratic (as well as undemocratic) societies. This course probes some of these complexities by introducing students conceptual models of bureaucracy, critiques, real-world case studies and the broader social implications of bureaucracy. The larger goals of this class are for you each to (1) understand how bureaucracies shape our social world as well as you own lives, (2) become familiar with models we can use to better understand and analyze them, and (3) discern how we can successfully navigate our dealings with them (e.g., in your career), and (4) to contemplate how bureaucracies might be held publicly accountable and changed. These goals are consistent with the university’s mission “to empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and core values that contribute to life-long learning, gainful employment, and active citizenship in a democratic society and interdependent world” (SU Catalogue, 2008-2010, pg. 6). The format of the class will be a mix of lectures, class discussion, some videos, and student-led small group discussion to create a structured but also interactive learning experience. An important ideal in this course is to facilitate the expression of a diversity of views among students and the professor. In terms of substance, after a lengthy overview of key concepts and theories of complex organizations, we will spend much of the term on focused on three specific case studies (Enron/energy and financial capital, NSA/electronic spying, WR Grace/Asbestos) to elucidate and illustrate key issues in complex organizations.

II. Course Requirements:

A. 4 Readings Discussion Papers (RDP’s) : Write 4 papers, each on a given topic, and 1 from each test-unit of the class –excluding first 2 topics of term. Papers are due the 2nd day scheduled for a topic, unless I announce otherwise. I prefer your papers be typed and double-spaced, but legibly hand-written is OK. Format: Length 5-6 pages, 1. Main Ideas and Themes – Length 4-5 pages. This should be like glorified notes on key issues and ideas in the readings (full sentence & coherent). Neither an introduction nor conclusion is necessary. Show me you read the text. Select and discuss main ideas, issues, and details (roughly 1-2 paragraphs per issue, idea, or related details) from the assigned reading(s) for a given topic; chose those that you think are most important or interesting. Do not discuss only things from just the first several pages of assigned readings. You must provide at least 1 citation of an assigned rdg. per paragraph (author, page #) for each main idea / issue / set of details. Do not provide a general overview of the readings. Do not use quotes extensively, but rather, use your own words . Two additional things you must do: a. For the 1 st paper, only , provide 1 non-readings example (real or hypothetical) for 1 of your main ideas, you discuss from the assigned reading(s). Or for papers 2, 3 & 4 (case study topics) , you must explain how 2 or more concepts from the 1 st unit of the class are related to the assigned (case study) readings. b. You must draw at least 1 connection or link between 2 or more assigned chapters or readings (e.g., compare or contrast them or explain how they are related). Integrate material from different chapters/readings. 2. Reaction and Critique – Length 1-2 pages. Use a heading for this section. This section should be a brief reaction to and evaluation of the issues raised in the readings. You have a lot of leeway here. Basically, I want some thoughtful reflection on and critique of the readings and the issues they raise, which you have discussed in Part 1.

B. 10 Readings Note Sheets: Length 1&½ - 2 pages. Due 2 nd day of topic for all topics for which you do not write an RDP -- excluding first 2 topics of term (& except 1 other time, you can skip 1 of your choice). These do not have to be comprehensive on everything you read, but rather just a partial notes, and they can be quite informal (e.g., with abbreviations, not have complete sentences, etc.). You have wide leeway on the format, but they must be legible and substantive, not just term definitions or superficial points from the introduction. You must have a page number and reading author(s) for each note entry / main point. Use your own words, note quotes. This will greatly aid group discussion as well as test preparation and your overall learning. There are 12 times when you could do notes sheets (15 topics-4 RDPs=11note page assmts.), but you only have to turn in notes for 10 (i.e., you can skip one of your choosing).

C. 1 Application Paper (Length 4 pages, Due May 12, but can be turned in anytime after May 1): Details on this assignment will be given in second half of term, but generally you will be asked to apply some ideas from class to two outside articles and to aspects of you own life.

D. Group Discussion Leading & Class Participation You will lead a small group discussion for part of four classes period on different topics, for each of which you should write an RDP. I also expect you to participate in group discussions as well as be generally involved in the class. This presumes your attendance and familiarity with the readings. If it is clear you are unprepared for class (i.e., have not even glanced at the readings), you will lose participation points. Also, as a part of this category, I will give you a couple brief writing exercises in class and out, in order to stimulate class discussion and see if you are keeping up with assigned materials. Note: This category will be crucial in the case of borderline grades. Attendance Policy: You are required to attend all classes; failure to attend will negatively affect your grade, significantly, especially if you miss more than 2 classes.

E. 4 Tests. Each exam will cover roughly 1 text book, the last will be a somewhat cumulative final . The first exam on the Orgs. conceptual text will be longer, as will the final exam. The other (middle) 2 will be shorter exams on the case study texts. The final will cover the 3rd case study text, but also will be cumulative in asking you to integrate materials from the earlier case studies and concepts -- drawn largely from earlier 3 tests. Format: tests will be mostly essay and short answer questions and a few multiple choice questions.

III. Grade Calculation & Scale: 4 RDP’s @ 25 points each 100 points (32% of total pts.) 10 Rdgs note sheets @ 3 pts each 30 points (11% of total pts.) 1 Application paper 20 points ( 6% of total pts.) Group Disc. Leading & Class Participation 30 points (10% of total pts.) 4 tests 1 st @ 30 pts., 2 nd & 3 rd @ 25 pts, 4 th @ 40 pts = 120 points (42% of total pts.) Total 300 points

A 90-100% 270-300 pts. B 80-89% 240-269 pts. C 70-79% 210--239 pts. D 60-69% 180-209 pts. F 59% & below 179 pts. & below IV. Miscellaneous… Extra Credit: You may earn 5 points on 2 occasions during the term by attending extra cultural events and / or participating in some sort of community volunteer activity; in either case you must write up (1-2 pgs.) what you saw or did briefly & link it to something specific from class materials. Papers are due within 3 weeks after the event. May 11 is last day to turn in.

Make-up Policy: I will not grant make-ups or extensions for exams and papers unless you face extraordinary circumstances (illness, family problems, etc.) or a university-scheduled activity. No make-ups for class participation exercises and points.

Active Class Participation is expected. Small group discussion as well as class exercises are tools for facilitating student participation. These are premised on your having read or at least perused the readings (at least read some of readings or intro & conclusion sections, and skim other parts). Also, during lectures please occasionally ask questions and speak up.

Writing Help -- University Writing Center–Room 206 Guerrieri University Center, 410-543-6332 (x36332) www.salisbury.edu/uwc . Studying Help and other assistance – Center for Student Achievement – Room 213 Guerrieri University Center, 410- 677-4865 (x74865) http://www.salisbury.edu/achievement/

Please feel free to contact me outside of class. In addition to office hours, I will be around the office quite a bit. Also, you can call me or contact me via email. It generally takes me up to 24 hours to reply to emails, and 48 hours over weekends. Tentative Schedule (subject to change)

Jan 27, 29 Intro Mills & Simmons: Ch. 1 Web rdg.: Perrow (2000)

Feb.1, 3 Overview & Basic Concepts Mills & Simmons, Ch. 2 Web reading: Ritzer, Weber

Feb. 5, 8, 10 Management & Human Relations model Mills & Simmons Ch. 3 Web Rdg: Perrow, Ch. 2

Feb. 12, 15, 17 Diversity (gender, race, ethnicity) Mills & Simmons, Chs 5 &6

Feb. 19, 22 Psychic aspects Mills & Simmons Ch. 4

Feb. 24, 26, March 1 Power & change Mills & Simmons, Ch. 7 Web reading: Weber, Sjoberg, & TBA March 3 TEST 1

March 5, 8 WR Grace/Asbestos – Part 1 Schneider & McCumber: Prologue & Chs. 1-5

March 10, 12 WR Grace/Asbestos –Part 2 Schneider & McCumber: Chs. 6-11

March 15-19 Spring Break!

March 22, 24, 26 WR Grace/Asbestos—Part 3 Schneider & McCumber: Chs. 22-26

March 29 Test 2

March 31, April 2, 5 Enron--Part 1 McLean & Elkind: Intro & Chs. 1-6 (89 pgs) April 7, 9, Enron--Part 2 McLean & Elkind: Chs. 7-12 (103 pgs)

April 12, 14 Enron Part 3 McLean & Elkind: Chs. 13-17 (94 pgs)

April 16, 19, 21 Enron--Part 4 McLean & Elkind: Ch. 18-22 (121 pgs)

April 23 TEST 3

April 26, 28 Natl. Security Agency –Part 1 Bamford: Intro. & Book 1 (89 pgs.)

April 30, May 1 NSA—Part 2 Bamford: pp. 99—187 (Book 2 & ½ Book 3)

May 3 & 5 NSA – Part 3 Bamford: pp. 187-270 (2nd half Book 3)

May 7 & 10 NSA—Part 4 Bamford: Books 4 & 5 (74 pgs)

May 12 Wrap-up, Review, & Application Paper Due

May19, 1:30-4:00 TEST 4 (Final)