Main Content
Syllabus
OLEAD/LHR 465: Collective Decision Making – Application of theories of decision making to work-related issues in groups and organizations requiring collective resolution and action.
Overview
Collective Decision Making presents a broad overview of theories and practices in decision making as related to choice making in organizations. Of particular interest are decision-making practices, as well as theories that account for them, in single-motive situations (in which participants in the process are pursuing a common goal) and mixed-motive situations (in which two or more of the participants are competitively related but must cooperate to achieve their objectives). Hence, the course deals both with (1) conventional decision making, as in the case of boards, task forces, problem-solving groups, and quality circles or teams appropriate to single-motive situations and (2) processes, such as bargaining, negotiation, and dispute management/resolution, appropriate to mixed-motive situations.
Course Objectives
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to do the following:
- Develop an appreciation of the processes (single-motive and mixed-motive) by which those in positions of authority, groups, and organizations make consequential choices.
- Create an awareness and understanding of the personal, social, and environmental factors that enter into decision makers’ judgments and, hence, affect how these processes unfold (reflexively versus reflectively).
- Gain insights into precisely how such sources of influence operate.
- Become familiar with what distinguishes good decision making (rational) from poor decision making (nonrational and/or irrational).
- Learn, as well as develop skill in, what one can do to enhance the likelihood that decisional outcomes will be optimal rather than suboptimal.
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Software
One of the benefits of being a registered Penn State student is that you are eligible to receive educational discounts on many software titles. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing software through our affiliate vendor, please visit the Buying Software section of the Course Materials page.
Technical Specifications
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
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| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Requirements
Performance in OLEAD/LHR 465 will be evaluated on the basis of two types of assignments: (1) participation in team discussion forums and (2) individual essays.The assignments are designed to enhance real-world skills in written and oral communications. Your responsibility, then, is to read the assignments carefully, post your work on time, and stay prepared throughout the semester. Below you will find information about each of the following course requirements.
- Discussion Forums
The objective of the discussion forums is to develop a “discussion thread” that stimulates critical thinking and in depth dialogue. The quality of the postings is far more important than the quantity of words in any individual response. Professionalism and common courtesy are expected during the discussion dialogues. You are expected to post one original post and reply to and/or comment on at least two other student postings in your teams.
- Individual Essays
The individual essay writing assignments in every case will involve the preparation of an essay in response to one of the Thought Questions that accompany the lesson commentary. The written assignments will be between 500-1,000 words.
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
The schedule below outlines the topics we will be covering in this course, along with the associated time frames and assignments.
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments are due Monday at 11:59 am.
| Lesson 2 | Common Biases Part I |
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| Lesson 3 | Common Biases Part II |
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| Lesson 4 | Bounded Awareness Part I |
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| Lesson 5 | Bounded Awareness Part II |
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| Lesson 6 | Framing and the Reversal of Preferences Part I |
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| Lesson 8 | Motivational and Emotional Influences on Decision Making |
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| Lesson 9 | The Escalation of Commitment |
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| Lesson 11 | Fairness and Ethics in Decision Making Part II |
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| Lesson 12 | Common Investment Mistakes |
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| Lesson 13 | Making Rational Decisions in Negotiations |
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| Lesson 14 | Negotiator Cognition |
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| Lesson 15 | Improving Decision Making |
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Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Grading
| Activity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Short Individual Essay and Team Discussion Forums (5 @ 4%) | 20% |
| Long Individual Essays (10 @ 8%) | 80% |
| Total Course Points | 100 % |
Course Requirements
Each lesson will require the submission of a written document. If the essay is required to be approximately 1,000 words, its weight in grading is 8 percent; if the essay is required to be approximately 500 words, the weight is 4 percent. The specific writing assignment in every case will involve the preparation of an essay in response to one of the items in the Thought Questions for the lesson. These written documents will constitute the principal basis for the course grade, with the cumulative total being the sum of the numerical value of a letter grade (e.g., B = 3.00) multiplied by the lesson’s weight (e.g., 3.00 x .04 = .120) for the 15 lessons. The Cumulative Grade Point (which will be converted to a letter grade at the end of the course in line with the University’s specification of numerical and letter grade equivalents) can range from 0.00 to 4.00.
Grading Scale
| Letter | Percent |
|---|---|
| A | 93.0% to 100% |
| A- | <93.0% to 90.0% |
| B+ | <90.0% to 87.0% |
| B | <87.0% to 83.0% |
| B- | <83.0% to 80.0% |
| C+ | <80.0% to 77.0% |
| C | <77.0% to 70.0% |
| D | <70.0% to 60.0% |
| F | <60.0% to 0.0% |
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies. If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Accommodating Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Course Policies
Late Policy
This course is designed so that all assignments help you progress toward the course goals. Therefore, in order to receive a passing grade for a lesson, you must turn it in on time. Your syllabus tells you when assignments are due. If you are beginning to feel ill, and there is a chance you will not be able to complete a given assignment, contact me and make arrangements for an extended due date.
Assignments will not be accepted late without these prior arrangements.
Document Submission
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Additional Policies
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.