Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership

Introduction to graduate research and writing. This course provides students with an overview of the critical role of research and evaluation in identifying and solving management problems and in improving organizational performance. The course examines the fundamental principles of research and scholarly writing. The primary focus is on the practical application of research methods to improve organizational programs, policies, and performance.

Prerequisite or Corequisite OLCU 501.

Review of contemporary issues and perspectives on organizational leadership including multi-disciplinary perspectives and classic theory (trait, behavioral, and contingency models). Topics include servant leadership, ethics, diversity, followership, the distinction between leadership and management, vision, leadership practice and strategies. Emphasis on application of theoretical concepts to actual and diverse organizational situations, culminating in the articulation of a personal philosophy of leadership. Taking this foundation course early in the MAOL degree program of study is recommended.

Prerequisite or Corequisite OLCU 501.

Exploration of how democratic values shape the concept and practice of leadership and policy-making in organizations, including the role of values in ethical decision-making and determining the moral obligations of leaders and followers. Examines the concepts of power and influence, including their uses and abuses. Emphasis on critical analysis and application of ethical principles to contemporary leadership dilemmas in organizations.

This course focuses on leadership skills needed to develop and promote effective teamwork. Teams can be complex and challenging to lead, and change processes difficult to implement. Topics include assessing and improving team performance; managing the internal dynamics of teams (team decision making, diversity, conflict, and creativity); and leading the team within the larger organization.

This course provides a systems approach to managing human resources in organizations. Topics include recruitment and selection, diversity, employment law, training and development, performance management, and reward systems. The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification may be used as a substitute for either HRCU 445 of HRCU 600. The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification may be a substitute for this course.

In this course students will examine the roles and responsibilities of human resource professionals in creating and implementing strategic approaches to managing employee performance as a means of maximizing productivity and retention. Topics include performance assessment, talent development, succession planning, and change management.