Organizational Behavior and Theory

Looking back on ORGL 615, one of the most impactful lessons I took away was how organizational culture is shaped by the behaviors we allow to become the norm over time. The leadership parable we studied really stuck with me, particularly as I navigate cultural shifts in my own organization, both when I took the course and still today. It reinforced the idea that when processes and standards are left unexamined, they become ingrained in an organization’s identity, sometimes to its detriment. This course helped me recognize the need for intentional leadership in shaping and reinforcing values that align with an organization’s evolving goals. Additionally, the discussions on team learning and systems thinking gave me a framework to approach the resistance to change I’ve experienced at work. As our company grows and reintroduces accountability and structured processes, some long-standing employees struggle to adapt. This course helped me see these challenges not just as individual resistance, but as part of a broader system that has been conditioned over time. With this perspective, I feel better equipped to lead difficult conversations, drive cultural change, and help my team see the bigger picture. This course was more than just theory – it gave me tangible tools to analyze, adapt, and lead organizational transformation with confidence.

The MindTree case study was a powerful way to apply the competencies I gained in ORGL 615: Organizational Theory & Behavior, particularly in organizational culture, systems thinking, and leadership development. Analyzing MindTree’s leadership model reinforced my belief that leaders shape culture through intentional behaviors, a lesson I now apply as my organization redefines its own values and leadership strategies. MindTree’s knowledge management (KM) approach also highlighted the importance of systems thinking in fostering collaboration and innovation. The 5*50 initiative demonstrated how structured KM processes can either support or stifle creativity, an insight that has helped me assess how knowledge-sharing functions within my own company. This case study gave me a tangible framework for applying systems thinking, cultural transformation, and leadership development in real-world settings. Today, I use these competencies to challenge outdated norms, support leadership growth, and create a culture where innovation and accountability thrive.