WORKSHOP: ANALYSIS OF ORGANISATIONS

The course introduces the basic theories, concepts, methods and application outcomes of organisational sociology. It aims to provide students with the fundamental skills to analyse and understand, from a sociological point of view, organisations, the actors involved and the plurality of their approaches, as well as how inequality is produced, reproduced and challenged in organisational contexts, paying particular attention to those operating in the field of welfare and social economy. The analysis of organisations contributes to achieving the educational and knowledge objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Society.

On completion of the course, students will:
• familiarise with the fundamental theories and concepts of the sociology of organisation.
• know the historical evolution of organisations
• be able to identify the plurality of actors and behavioural attitudes characterising organisational systems.
• develop essential skills for the analysis of organisations and will be able to distinguish and identify the peculiarities of different organisational contexts and methodologies also in relation to their historical evolution and transformation.
• develop basic skills for planning organisational interventions, especially in organisations operating in the areas of welfare, public policy and social economy.
• know how different inequality regimes affect organisations as well as the approaches, actions and tools introduced to challenge inequalities.
• be able to design collaborative and multidimensional tools to improve organisational response and refine tools to challenging discrimination in organisations.

No pre-requisites required

The course focuses specifically on the analysis of organisations and their changes. The aims are to provide students with the basic conceptual, analytical and methodological background needed to interpret the logic underlying organisational action, understand and synthesise its complexity, and develop tools capable of intervening in organisations by improving the resolution of structural and/or contingent problems. The course is also characterised by the systematic and simultaneous interaction between theoretical, methodological and conceptual analyses and the analyses of empirical cases drawing on the direct and indirect experiences of the students.
According to these objectives, the course is organised into three parts. The first part is aimed at an in-depth study of the basic concepts and theories of the sociology of organisation, the relationship between organisations and society, organisational change and the methodological tools for studying organisations. The second part explores the main characteristics (methodologies, actors, logic and actions) and innovations of public and private organisations operating in welfare and social economy. The last part of the course focuses mainly on studying "inequality regimes" acting in organisations and organisational practices oriented to contest this action.

for all (attending and non-attending students)
• Angelo Picchierri, Sociologia dell'organizzazione, Laterza, Bari, 2011 (II edizione 2022)
• Bassi A. (2010), Esiste una specificità delle organizzazioni non-profit dal punto di vista delle culture organizzative? in "Impresa Sociale", vol. 1/2010, (p. 67-84).
• Acker J. (2006) Inequality Regimes: Gender, Class, and Race in Organisations. Gender & Society; 20(4):441-464.

For those attending, the exam is based on:
- (75%) On a written examination aimed at verifying the correct knowledge of the theories and concepts of the sociology of organisation and the other contents of the course.
- 25% On a written assignment aimed at verifying the students' ability to critically examine the themes, problems and perspectives that emerged during workshops. In the first meetings, and based on the actual number of attending students, the possibility of carrying out the assignment in small groups may be considered.
For students who do not attend, assessment is based on:
• 75% On a written examination designed to test the correct understanding of the theories and concepts of the sociology of organisation and the other contents of the course.
• 25% - oral examination

The course is based on lectures and workshop activities. The latter will aim to develop the students' ability to intervene in "organisational planning" and they will be the basis for writing the final assignment. Being present at these meetings is therefore crucial for the calculation of the attendance rate

Italian

Language: Italian
Course materials (articulation, suggested readings for individual study, PowerPoint slides) can be found on the Moodle Platform course page.
Students may be considered to be attending for the final examination procedures if they will be present at at least 80% of the meetings and have actually delivered their final assignment.
All other students will be considered "not attending".

written and oral