Organizational Theory and Change
NRE 449 / Environ 449
Credits: 3

Have you ever wondered how organizations as varied as state natural resource management agencies, NGOs, multi-lateral development banks, international development agencies, and community groups impact environmental policy and management both in the U.S. and internationally? Why do organizations behave in certain ways and not in others? NRE 449 addresses these questions by exploring how different types of organizations and organizational arrangements can influence organizational decision-making, behavior, and outcomes in complex political arenas such as endangered species recovery, protected area management, risk assessment, community forestry and community-based resource management and development. The course begins with an in-depth look at the literature on organizational theory and change. It focuses on organizational behavior but also examines organizations as carriers of environmental programs and as implementers of environmental policy. The course includes a series of case examples that apply organizational theory to specific policy and management problems. The course is intended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students. There are no prerequisites for registration.