OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Leadership & Organization Design

Smriti Anand

To succeed in today’s knowledge intensive organizations managers need to understand how individual differences in personality, learning style and cultural values, group dynamics, organizational culture, and human resource management policies shape employee attitudes and behaviors. This course teaches managers creative problem-solving and ethical decision-making, change management, leadership techniques for enhancing social capital and influencing other organizational members, and management tools for multicultural and geographically dispersed teams.

Pre-Requisites: None

Read more

To succeed in today’s knowledge intensive organizations managers need to understand how individual differences in personality, learning style and cultural values, group dynamics, organizational culture, and human resource management policies shape employee attitudes and behaviors. This course teaches managers creative problem-solving and ethical decision-making, change management, leadership techniques for enhancing social capital and influencing other organizational members, and management tools for multicultural and geographically dispersed teams.

Pre-Requisites: None

Required Textbook: Organizational Behavior. (2017). University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing Edition. Open Textbook Library, https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/30

Other Required Materials: Articles from academic journals and other reputable sources.

Software Requirements: Microsoft Office Suite & Google WorkSpace.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Leaders vs. Managers
Welcome to Leadership and Organization Design! This module examines the best practices and historical evolution of management, alongside the concept and effective behaviors of leadership. It delves into both classic and contemporary theories of leadership, addressing the challenges contemporary leaders face and the impact of contextual factors. Additionally, it introduces evidence-based management and the actionable steps for its implementation, providing a comprehensive understanding of leadership in the modern era.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers the theory behind leadership, applying it to modern business challenges
Examines various leadership techniques for managing social capital and influencing others
Offers management tools for working with multicultural and geographically dispersed teams
Requires students to read academic journals and other reputable sources

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Essential leadership and organizational strategies

According to learners, this course offers a strong foundation in leadership and organizational design, primarily benefiting current and aspiring managers. Students frequently highlight the practical applicability of concepts, especially in conflict resolution and change management. Many praise the clear and engaging instruction and the well-curated required readings. While some felt certain modules were broad overviews or wished for more case studies and active forum discussions, the course is generally considered a valuable learning experience for professionals.
Curated readings and the required textbook enhance the learning.
"The required readings were well-curated and added significant depth."
"The required textbook was an excellent resource."
"I appreciated the supplementary articles that deepened my understanding of the topics."
Complex ideas are presented clearly and in an engaging manner.
"The instructor's explanations were clear and engaging."
"Fantastic course! The instructor presented complex ideas in an understandable way."
"I found the course content well-structured and easy to follow, allowing me to grasp concepts quickly."
Strategies learned can be immediately applied in the workplace.
"I immediately applied the conflict resolution strategies in my team and saw positive results."
"The modules on 'Power & Politics' and 'Team Leadership' were incredibly practical."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Forum discussions were not as active as some learners hoped.
"I felt that while the course material was comprehensive, the forum discussions weren't as active as I hoped, limiting the peer-to-peer learning experience."
"I was hoping for more active engagement with other learners through discussions."
Covers a wide range of topics, though some modules lack depth.
"The course covers a wide range of topics, which is good. However, I felt some modules were rushed, especially 'Motivation'."
"While it covers important topics like leadership and motivation, I felt it lacked originality and depth compared to other advanced leadership courses."
"It felt like a broad overview rather than a deep dive on certain subjects."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Leadership & Organization Design with these activities:
Review Management Concepts
Brush up on fundamental management principles to strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Management
Show steps
  • Review key concepts of management, such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
  • Read articles and books on management theory and practice.
Review Personality Assessment
Revisiting basic concepts in personality assessment prior to the course will provide foundational knowledge and strengthen understanding by students with varying skills levels, preparing them for a smoother transition.
Browse courses on Personality Assessment
Show steps
  • Review Trait Theory
  • Practice using a personality assessment tool
Decision-Making Tutorial
Supplemental tutorials will serve as additional resources, reinforcing concepts taught in the course while offering practice opportunities that cater to the diverse learning styles of students.
Browse courses on Decision-Making
Show steps
  • Explore Decision-Making Models
  • Apply a decision-making model to a real-world scenario
  • Discuss ethical considerations in decision-making
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Organizational Behavior
Delve into the theories and principles of organizational behavior to enhance your understanding of human behavior in organizations.
View Essentials of Organizational Behavior, Global... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1-3 of the textbook.
  • Summarize key concepts and theories.
Personality Assessment and Reflection
Complete a personality assessment and reflect on how your personality traits influence your leadership style.
Browse courses on Personality
Show steps
  • Take a personality assessment, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
  • Write a one-page reflection on your results.
Team Project Planning
Collaborate with classmates to develop a plan for a team project, fostering your team leadership and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Teamwork
Show steps
  • Form a team of 3-5 people.
  • Brainstorm project ideas and select one.
  • Develop a project plan, including timelines, roles, and resources.
Team Conflict Resolution Simulation
This simulation will provide a practical setting for handling team conflicts, enabling students to develop interpersonal skills, navigate disagreements, and foster strong team bonds, which are crucial for workplace success.
Browse courses on Team Conflict
Show steps
  • Analyze a conflict scenario
  • Develop a conflict resolution strategy
  • Simulate the conflict resolution process
  • Reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement
Effective Communication Skills Workshop
Attend a workshop to enhance your communication skills, improving your ability to influence and motivate others.
Browse courses on Communication
Show steps
  • Attend the workshop.
  • Practice the techniques learned.
Course Review and Summary
Consolidate your learning by organizing and reviewing your notes, assignments, and other course materials.
Browse courses on Review
Show steps
  • Review your lecture notes and readings.
  • Create a summary or outline of the key concepts.
Leadership Case Study Analysis
Analyze a real-world leadership case study to apply your understanding of leadership theories and principles.
Browse courses on Case study
Show steps
  • Read the case study.
  • Identify the key leadership issues and challenges.
  • Develop and present your analysis and recommendations.
Contribute to Open-Source Management Tools
Enhance your technical skills and contribute to the management community by participating in open-source projects.
Browse courses on Open-Source
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project related to management.
  • Contribute to the project by reporting bugs, suggesting features, or coding.

Career center

Learners who complete Leadership & Organization Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Organizational Psychologist
Organizational Psychologists study the behavior of individuals and groups in organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Psychologist
Organizational Development Manager
Organizational Development Managers lead and manage change initiatives within an organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Managers develop and implement strategies to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists apply psychological principles to improve workplace productivity and employee satisfaction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Executive Coach
Executive Coaches help senior executives improve their leadership skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Coach
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of a company.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
Change Management Consultant
Change Management Consultants help organizations through change initiatives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Change Management Consultant
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Talent Management Consultant
Talent Management Consultants help organizations attract, develop, and retain talent.
See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants advise organizations on how to improve their performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Managers design and implement training programs for employees.
See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager
Employee Relations Manager
Employee Relations Managers resolve employee issues and disputes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers oversee all aspects of marketing operations for an organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and Benefits Managers plan, develop, and administer employee compensation and benefits programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Compensation and Benefits Manager
Labor Relations Manager
Labor Relations Managers manage relationships between employers and unions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Labor Relations Manager

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Leadership & Organization Design.
Cover image
The Crux
Save
Classic work on strategy. It provides insights into how to develop a good strategy and avoid common pitfalls.
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Hardcover
$$
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
ISE Contemporary Management
Save
Is another popular textbook in organizational behavior. It is known for its clear and concise writing style and its practical focus.
ISE Essentials of Contemporary Management (ISE HED...
Paperback
$$
ISE Contemporary Management (ISE HED IRWIN...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Noise
Save
Nobel Prize-winning work on cognitive biases. It provides insights into how our minds work and how we can make better decisions.
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
Paperback
$$
(Español) Ruido: Un fallo en el juicio humano / Noise: A Flaw...
Hardcover
$$
(Français) Noise: Pourquoi nous faisons des erreurs de...
Kindle Edition
$$
By Daniel Kahneman Best Seller 2 Boks collection...
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Noise (German edition): Was unsere Entscheidungen...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Cover image
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Save
Classic work on innovation. It provides insights into why large companies often fail to innovate and how to overcome this challenge.
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Paperback
$$
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, Or How to Build the...
Save
Thought-provoking look at the future of technology and innovation. It provides insights into how to create a truly original company.
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the...
Hardcover
$$
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Save
Practical guide to building and running a successful technology company. It provides insights into the challenges and pitfalls that you will face along the way.
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Hardcover
$$
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Power of Regret
Save
Groundbreaking work on motivation. It provides insights into what really motivates people and how to create a more motivating workplace.
The Power of Regret
Paperback
Check
The Power of Regret
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Supercommunicators
Save
Fascinating look at the role of habits in our lives. It provides insights into how to change our habits and create new ones.
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret...
Hardcover
$$
Charles Duhigg 3 Books Collection Set...
Paperback
$$$
(Deutsch) Supercommunicators: Wie man die geheime Sprache...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Español) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Cómo...
Audible Audiobook
$$
(Português) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Como...
Audible Audiobook
$
Cover image
The Student Leadership Challenge
Save
Practical guide to leadership. It provides insights into the qualities and behaviors of effective leaders.
The Student Leadership Challenge
Paperback
Check
The Student Leadership Challenge
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Creativity, Inc. (The Expanded Edition)
Save
Fascinating look inside Pixar Animation Studios. It provides insights into how to create a culture of creativity and innovation.
Creativity, Inc. (The Expanded Edition): Overcoming...
Hardcover
$$
Creativity, Inc. (The Expanded Edition): Overcoming...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Why We Meditate
Save
Groundbreaking work on emotional intelligence. It provides insights into the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and success.
Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of...
Hardcover
$$
(Español) Por qué meditar / Why We Meditate (Colección Daniel...
Paperback
$$
放不下，就握手言和吧：EQ始祖丹尼爾·高曼與措尼仁波切的冥想智慧: Why We Meditate:...
Kindle Edition
$
Why We Meditate: 7 Simple Practices for a Calmer...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Practical guide to building a successful startup. It provides insights into how to test your ideas, validate your assumptions, and iterate your product.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Electric Cables
Save
Fascinating look at the role of culture in organizations. It provides insights into how to create a culture that is conducive to success.
Electric cables, their construction and cost, 1909...
Leather Bound
$$$
Cover image
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Save
Popular self-help book that provides advice on how to become more effective in all areas of life.
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Paperback
Check
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Leadership & Organization Design.
Influencing, Collaboration and Decision Making
Most relevant
The Neuroscience of Leading High-Performance Teams
Most relevant
Making Successful Decisions through the Strategy, Law &...
Most relevant
Influence
Most relevant
Visionary leadership, identity & motivation: Become a...
Most relevant
The Cybersecurity Culture Blueprint: A Proactive Approach
Most relevant
Understanding & Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment
Most relevant
Fundamentals of Cross-Functional Collaboration
Most relevant
Ethical Decision Making for Success in the Tech Industry
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Effort
8 weeks of study, 10-12 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Illinois Tech
Instructor
Smriti Anand
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers the theory behind leadership, applying it to modern business challenges
Examines various leadership techniques for managing social capital and influencing others
Offers management tools for working with multicultural and geographically dispersed teams
Requires students to read academic journals and other reputable sources
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Leadership & Organization Design.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser