Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Graziadio Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Graziadio Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

MSOD 616A Practicum 1A: OD Practitioner as Global Citizen (4)


The skills and knowledge required for a global practitioner of change is the focus of this course. It extends the fundamental principles and skills of organization development by utilizing an unfamiliar cultural environment to leverage understanding of the “self as an instrument of change,” develop cross cultural skills and hone research skills. Basic principles of anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, and psychology are explored as foundational theories to organization development. Topics include culture of origin and cross-cultural awareness of attributes that align or create stress; artifacts and their underlying assumptions and values of culture; dynamics of conducting research in a non-native land. Working with local experts, students ascertain the merits of investment in primary industries in the region. Researching various functions and trends, such as environmental sustainability or virtual workforces, students determine their desirability as possible benchmarks for other countries or organizations to emulate. A focus on the student’s personal and professional growth to become strong leaders of change culminates in the creation of an individualized model of cultural entry useful to transverse across countries and disparate organization cultures to become a global citizen able to work in a broad array of work settings.

Student Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognize key issues in the global business context and macro-economic environment; explain those faced by the host country and what steps the local community is taking to address them.
  2. Conduct purposeful research, consulting, and benchmark activities for organizational and community improvement, while differentiating attributes of culture in real time: artifacts, espoused values, and underlying assumptions.
  3. Explain various change management tools and methods and discern their appropriate uses.
  4. Apply group dynamic and teambuilding concepts to both virtual and F2F teams. Demonstrate effective team member skills using advocacy and inquiry to produce quality products and sustainable relationships.
  5. Act with courage in the use of Self as Instrument (SAI) of change and upgrade Cultural Intelligence (CQ) through cross-cultural interactions.
  6. Explain key considerations in the development of research design.
  7. Construct a model of cross-cultural entry and relationship building that can be used to enter a country and establish rapport with local nationals as future international sessions occur.
Grading Basis: CR/NC/I