Corporate Organisational Theory
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course is designed to equip students with the tools to understand the many aspects of the organisation of companies and institutions, in order for them to be able make decisions on this subject, in relation to the different positions (managerial, executive or external consulting) within the company/institution in question. The course addresses the theme of corporate organisation both in terms of the different technical decisions that can be made in real contexts (organisational analysis and design), as well as in terms of the management of interpersonal dynamics within the organisation.
More specifically, the course aims to introduce students to:
1. The main organisational theories and their evolution over time;
2. The analysis and design of the organisational structure, both in terms of macrostructure and microstructure;
3. The interpersonal and organisational dynamics of companies and institutions.
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a robust knowledge of the logic behind the organisation of companies and institutions, with regard to both their structure and interpersonal relations.
More specifically, the course aims to introduce students to:
1. The main organisational theories and their evolution over time;
2. The analysis and design of the organisational structure, both in terms of macrostructure and microstructure;
3. The interpersonal and organisational dynamics of companies and institutions.
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a robust knowledge of the logic behind the organisation of companies and institutions, with regard to both their structure and interpersonal relations.
Expected learning outcomes
- Applying knowledge and understanding: students will be able to design the organisational structure of a company or institution, at both macro and micro level. They will also be able to understand organisational dynamics, evaluating the most appropriate actions to be taken in public, private or socially-driven organisations in relation to one's own role (employee, entrepreneur or freelancer).
- Making judgements: students will be able to grasp interpersonal dynamics within an organisation by critically analysing the points of view of the different actors involved.
- Communication skills: students will learn the organisational language and develop communication skills useful for negotiation in different contexts.
- Learning skills: students will learn to understand organisational dynamics, with the aim to interpret them in a way that is consistent with the objectives of the specific company/institution.
- Making judgements: students will be able to grasp interpersonal dynamics within an organisation by critically analysing the points of view of the different actors involved.
- Communication skills: students will learn the organisational language and develop communication skills useful for negotiation in different contexts.
- Learning skills: students will learn to understand organisational dynamics, with the aim to interpret them in a way that is consistent with the objectives of the specific company/institution.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Learning Objectives
The course aims to provide students with a general understanding of the concepts and tools that form the foundations of organizations of any kind. The purpose of the course is to offer the basic tools necessary to describe and understand different types of organizations and their transformation over time.
The course will address both theoretical aspects (what an organization is, what is meant by organizational design, the role of the various departments within an organization) and the internal dynamics of organizations (organizational behavior, leadership styles, approaches to training and development).
Furthermore, the course will explore how new technologies are transforming organizations and the world of work, focusing on emerging professional roles and the skills expected in the future according to authoritative and accredited sources.
Specifically, the course intends to develop knowledge related to:
The analysis and understanding of organizational contexts and models;
The main managerial models and tools;
The interpersonal dynamics typical of organizations;
The leadership factors that drive organizational acceleration;
Inter- and intra-organizational communication methods.
Theoretical lectures will be complemented by illustrative examples and case studies. Guest speakers from the business world (such as HR Directors, Training Managers, Human Resources Managers, General Managers, CEOs, Founders, Partners and Entrepreneurs, Innovation and IT Directors) will be invited to share their experiences on the various dimensions of organizational life.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to recognize and give equal importance to the "hard" features of organizations, such as micro- and macro-level organizational structures, and to the "soft" features, namely intangible or even implicit aspects such as staff attitudes.
Autonomy of judgment: Students will be able to understand the variety of organizational structures, the role of the external environment, the power of organizational cultures, and the different decision-making processes within organizations.
Communication skills: Students will acquire organizational terminology and develop communication skills useful in negotiation dynamics across different contexts.
Analytical skills: Students will develop the ability to analyze different organizations, their mechanisms, and the requirements for functioning and performance.
Networking: Thanks to meetings with guest speakers from the professional world, students will be able to build a network of contacts useful for their future careers.
The course aims to provide students with a general understanding of the concepts and tools that form the foundations of organizations of any kind. The purpose of the course is to offer the basic tools necessary to describe and understand different types of organizations and their transformation over time.
The course will address both theoretical aspects (what an organization is, what is meant by organizational design, the role of the various departments within an organization) and the internal dynamics of organizations (organizational behavior, leadership styles, approaches to training and development).
Furthermore, the course will explore how new technologies are transforming organizations and the world of work, focusing on emerging professional roles and the skills expected in the future according to authoritative and accredited sources.
Specifically, the course intends to develop knowledge related to:
The analysis and understanding of organizational contexts and models;
The main managerial models and tools;
The interpersonal dynamics typical of organizations;
The leadership factors that drive organizational acceleration;
Inter- and intra-organizational communication methods.
Theoretical lectures will be complemented by illustrative examples and case studies. Guest speakers from the business world (such as HR Directors, Training Managers, Human Resources Managers, General Managers, CEOs, Founders, Partners and Entrepreneurs, Innovation and IT Directors) will be invited to share their experiences on the various dimensions of organizational life.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to recognize and give equal importance to the "hard" features of organizations, such as micro- and macro-level organizational structures, and to the "soft" features, namely intangible or even implicit aspects such as staff attitudes.
Autonomy of judgment: Students will be able to understand the variety of organizational structures, the role of the external environment, the power of organizational cultures, and the different decision-making processes within organizations.
Communication skills: Students will acquire organizational terminology and develop communication skills useful in negotiation dynamics across different contexts.
Analytical skills: Students will develop the ability to analyze different organizations, their mechanisms, and the requirements for functioning and performance.
Networking: Thanks to meetings with guest speakers from the professional world, students will be able to build a network of contacts useful for their future careers.
Prerequisites for admission
The course has no prerequisites. It is recommended to have taken the course in Business Administration
Teaching methods
The course will alternate between lectures and interactive moments with students. Business cases will be shared and there will be participation of several testimonials from different business realities.
Teaching Resources
R. Daft - Organizzazione aziendale. Maggioli editore, 2021.
L. Di Iorio - Intelligenza Emotiva al Cinema, Guerini Next, 2024
S. Ismail - Trasformazione esponenziale. La guida definitiva per trasformare la propria impresa in una organizzazione esponenziale, 2021.
D. Ikeda, L. J. Lau, Un'economia per le persone, Esperia, 2022,
L. Di Iorio, G. Di Nicolò Rito - Imparare la leadereship con le serie TV, Guerini Next, 2025
L. Di Iorio - Intelligenza Emotiva al Cinema, Guerini Next, 2024
S. Ismail - Trasformazione esponenziale. La guida definitiva per trasformare la propria impresa in una organizzazione esponenziale, 2021.
D. Ikeda, L. J. Lau, Un'economia per le persone, Esperia, 2022,
L. Di Iorio, G. Di Nicolò Rito - Imparare la leadereship con le serie TV, Guerini Next, 2025
Assessment methods and Criteria
Attending Students
For attending students, the exam consists of an oral test based on the topics covered during the course. The status of attending student is obtained by participating in at least 75% of the lectures.
Non-Attending Students
For non-attending students, the exam consists of a written test lasting 90 minutes. The written test is composed of five open-ended questions on the topics covered during the course and a set of 10 multiple-choice questions. The evaluation of the open-ended answers will be based on the accuracy of the language used, the correctness of the content, and the completeness of the response. The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale, with the multiple-choice questions accounting for one third of the total grade. The results will be published through the online system, which allows students to reject the proposed grade.
For attending students, the exam consists of an oral test based on the topics covered during the course. The status of attending student is obtained by participating in at least 75% of the lectures.
Non-Attending Students
For non-attending students, the exam consists of a written test lasting 90 minutes. The written test is composed of five open-ended questions on the topics covered during the course and a set of 10 multiple-choice questions. The evaluation of the open-ended answers will be based on the accuracy of the language used, the correctness of the content, and the completeness of the response. The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale, with the multiple-choice questions accounting for one third of the total grade. The results will be published through the online system, which allows students to reject the proposed grade.
SECS-P/10 - ORGANIZATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Di Iorio Luigi
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday and Wednesday at the end of the class 12 am
Room T6 - Sesto San Giovanni