This course discusses new sustainability research in the sociology of organizations and organizational theory. The focus of the papers is on institutional theory and qualitative research to better understand institutional and organizational change triggered by sustainability considerations. We will discuss for example institutional entrepreneurship, institutional logics or institutional decoupling; we will also discuss the issue of social and ecological sustainability of organizations and/or institutional change. The topics covered rely mainly upon journal articles. At the beginning of term, we will read, excerpt and discuss several academic papers, with the aim to develop own criteria to understand, evaluate, synthesize and critique recent research. In the second part of the term, you will deepen your knowledge by conducting small research projects. You can work jointly with your peers in a small group of (up to three) students. We will spend the time during class to discuss and/or work on these projects, but you are also asked to meet outside class. In the final weeks of the course, the student groups will present their results.
We will meet on a weekly basis on Zoom or in presence, depending on the further developments.
Requirements:
To meet the requirements for earning a certificate (Teilnahmeschein) participants are asked
- to prepare excerpts of all academic papers we read in class (2 pages each)
- to participate actively in the group work, to prepare a written output (2-4 pages) of your small research project (together as a group) and a presentation.
Additional: To meet the requirements for earning a certificate (Leistungsschein) participants are asked
- to take an oral examination (mündliche Prüfung) or to write a term paper (Hausarbeit) or to prepare a portfolio exam (oral examination plus short term paper).
Course language is English.
The class meets via Zoom. In the second part of the term, when you are conducting the group work, you can choose either to meet in person in the classroom or to work online via Zoom. Please find the Login for Zoom at Moodle. |
