Research Paper:
This activity needs you to write a Research Paper on a subject of your choice within Organizational Research and Theory.
Format:
The Research Paper should be at least 10 pages in length, not comprising the cover page and references. Students use the APA format in writing the course papers. Thus, the APA rules for formatting, quoting, paraphrasing, citing and listing of sources are to be followed. Your paper should contain at least five professional references and might comprise internet sources, books and professional journals or resources related to the profession.
Example topics comprise:
1) Environments shape organizations. In turn, organizations as well shape the environments in which they interact. Organizations, in part, as well select which environments they enter and exit, select which coalitions are most desirable and find out the contexts in which they function. Write a paper which draws from the professional literature to address such issues and describes how organizations relate strategically to their environments.
2) All organizations should secure a continuing supply of resources from their environments. The initial mix of resources mobilized when an organization is created is critical as these resources constitute a structural pattern which tends to persist and is imprinted on organizational members. Develop a paper which addresses such issues; describes how all organizations compete for resources, which explains the consequences and costs of obtaining resources; and how resource attainment varies with the kind of organization and environment, and also with the organization’s stage of development.
3) Organizations utilize lateral relationships as legitimate avenues of information and influence flows constitute the new generation of organizational forms. Write a paper which describes the number of different lateral structural arrangements in use in organizations, excluding project teams, matrix structures, organic systems and professional organizations.