Organizational behavior is the study of how individuals, groups, and organizations interact with each other. Scholars in this area research topics like motivation, hierarchy, leadership, ethics, creativity, decision-making, social identity, influence, negotiations, job satisfaction, and group effectiveness. They also study issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - devoting particular attention to the roles that ethnicity and gender can play within organizations. The field draws heavily from social psychology and industrial/organizational psychology to examine these issues. In short, people doing research in organizational behavior examine how people and organizations can flourish and overcome the barriers they may face. Organizational behavior research is designed to achieve goals that include improving job performance, boosting job satisfaction, fostering creativity and innovation, promoting ethical behavior, creating a positive work environment, and making work environments more inclusive. To apply to this program, submit your application to the “Organizational Behavior Track.”

Organization theory builds and tests theory about organizations, their members, their management, organization-environment relations, organizing processes, and broader markets and fields. Organization theory draws on various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, and management. Researchers in this field examine topics such as entrepreneurship, stakeholder management, reputation, social evaluations, and the structure and dynamics of markets, as well as the formal and informal aspects of organizations, including hierarchies, power dynamics, communication patterns, and decision-making processes. They seek to uncover the underlying principles that govern how organizations are created, evolve, and adapt to their market and institutional environments. Organization theory has been brought to bear on a range of managerial, organizational, and societal issues, yielding both new theoretical insights and practical recommendations. To apply to this program, submit your application to the “Strategy/OT Track.”

Strategic management is a multidisciplinary academic field that draws on various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, and management to understand how organizations can achieve a sustainable competitive advantage in complex and dynamic markets. Researchers in this field investigate how organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors by, for example, leveraging their unique resources, capabilities, and market positioning; how innovation drives competitiveness; how organizations can adapt to technological change and disruptions in the marketplace; How government policies and regulations influence business strategies and outcomes; how sustainable practices and responsible business strategies can contribute to long-term organizational success and address societal and environmental concerns; how organizations should enter new market and compete in global and cross-cultural markets; and how strategic decisions are made and implemented within organizations. Strategic management is not only a valuable academic discipline but also offers practical insights for business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. It provides a holistic perspective on how organizations can navigate the ever-changing business landscape, adapt to new challenges, and contribute to economic growth and societal well-being. To apply to this program, submit your application to the “Strategy/OT Track.”