Organizational Behavior and Leadership

Course Description:

This course will focus on the organization and administration of public, private and not-for-profit sport, park, tourism and recreation (SPTR) agencies. The primary unit of analysis in this class is the SPTR organization and the environment in which it operates. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the structural, human, political, and cultural factors that impact organizational efficiency and effectiveness – specifically focusing on these environments.

Learning Objectives:

• Exhibit an understanding of the environment in which sport, park, tourism and recreation (SPTR) organizations operate.

• Identify and describe key principles related to effective administrative practice, such as planning, resource acquisition, positioning, and personnel & volunteer leadership.

• Demonstrate knowledge and application of relevant theory, research, and practice related to key aspects of organizational behavior in SPTR organizations.

• Recognize organizational behavior challenges and demonstrate intervention techniques used for recruiting and managing staff and employees.

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate critical factors contributing to organizational leadership in SPTR organizations.

Reflection:

This is another course that was impactful beyond the classroom for me. As stated previously, I embarked on a mission to establish a sports academy (Charlotte Elite Academy) at the same time as this masters program began. Course content and material allowed me to take an objective observation of the current structure, human resource procedures, political dynamics, and culture of the newly formed Charlotte Elite Academy. Studying the materials in this course provided me the opportunity to analyze strengths and weaknesses of Charlotte Elite Academy and make necessary decisions to reinforce positive elements within the organization and reframe areas that were identified as liabilities.