PhD in Organizational Behavior - Program Features

Is This Program Right for Me?

Organizational behavior is a vital and growing field of knowledge that is concerned with human and developmental processes across levels of analysis from individuals and groups through organizations and inter-organizational systems. The academic roots of the field span the disciplines of individual and social psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, and social philosophy. Organizational behavior situates the knowledge and tools of those disciplines in the context of the human dimensions of organizational life.

We approach the study of organizational behavior from the perspective of human possibility, with a special concern for the dynamics and processes of development and for creating new knowledge of individual, group, and organizational processes of learning, development and transformation.

Our educational goals are to prepare PhD students to:

• Obtain a doctoral-level foundation in academic areas pertinent to organizational behavior, from the micro to the macro. This interdisciplinary course of study covers key social science domains like developmental psychology, sociology, learning theory, organization theory, living systems theory, and the organizational dimensions of global change.
• Master and unite qualitative, quantitative, and action-research methodologies in the quest for comprehensive, penetrating understanding.
• Develop a high level of professional creativity and interpersonal competence, as well as a foundation of professional values enabling the pursuit of research and action in the field, including the facilitation and design of contexts for human development and self-reflective learning, organization development, and larger-system transformative change.

Aligning Your Mission, Vision, and Values With Ours

Our mission is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to: (1) conduct the highest quality research and teaching in the field of organizational behavior and development, and (2) become leading scholars in careers as researchers and educators at the top levels of their specializations and in high-impact areas of society.

Our vision is clear: to be a world-class center of doctoral education—known for our bold ideas, our powerful learning community, and our commitment to value-driven knowledge for the betterment of organizations and the greater good. All of this is in clear and strong alignment with the aim of Case Western Reserve University "to be the most powerful learning environment in the world," and through this environment to have a transformational impact on all who teach, learn, discover, and work here, "so they are prepared and engaged to serve humanity."

The philosophy of the Organizational Behavior Department is rooted in human values. These values guide our behavior as we strive to enhance learning and academic excellence amidst the demands, complexities, and confusion of everyday life. They also reflect the spirit of connectedness among us that gives life to the doctoral learning community as a whole. The following guiding ideas represent our aspirations and our community at our best:

• The Life of the Mind
• A Community of Inquiry
• Knowledge of Consequence
• Whole Person Development
• Academic Innovation and Excellence