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Minnesota State University, Mankato

Organizational Design

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • How to evaluate organizational structures to improve communication, decision-making, and overall performance.

  • How to design and optimize workflows by identifying bottlenecks and improving efficiency and productivity.

  • How to manage change and build a positive culture that increases employee engagement and satisfaction.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

January 2026

Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Business Leadership Essentials: HR, Org Design & Negotiation Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, learners examine how organizational structures shape collaboration, communication, and decision-making. You will explore common structures—hierarchical, matrix, and flat—and analyze how each affects coordination, innovation, and performance. Through case studies and discussion, you will compare the benefits and trade-offs of different designs and assess their real-world impact on engagement, efficiency, and organizational agility. By the end of the module, you will be able to identify structural strengths and weaknesses and understand how structure influences organizational outcomes.

What's included

3 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this module, learners explore workflow design and how work moves through an organization. You will examine how tasks, people, technologies, and decision points interact, and how poor design can create bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Through real-world examples and workflow mapping exercises, you will identify gaps, redundancies, and misaligned handoffs, and learn strategies for redesigning workflows to improve efficiency, communication, and team effectiveness. By the end of the module, you will be able to design optimized workflows that support organizational goals and operational excellence.

What's included

2 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this module, learners examine how organizational change unfolds and how to lead individuals and teams through transitions effectively. You will explore core change management principles, common sources of resistance, and strategies for building trust and buy-in. Through scenarios and simulations, you will practice assessing readiness for change, identifying stakeholders, and planning effective communication and support strategies. By the end of the module, you will be able to design a practical change management plan that supports smooth transitions and organizational resilience.

What's included

2 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this module, learners explore how organizational culture shapes employee experience, engagement, and performance. You will examine the visible and invisible elements of culture, identify healthy and dysfunctional patterns, and analyze how culture influences collaboration and productivity. Through case studies and applied activities, you will explore key drivers of employee engagement and practical strategies for strengthening inclusion, recognition, and psychological safety. By the end of the module, you will be able to assess organizational culture and propose actionable initiatives that support a positive, people-centered workplace.

What's included

3 videos2 assignments1 discussion prompt

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Instructor

DeQuindre Spencer, D.B.A., SPHR
Minnesota State University, Mankato
0 Courses 0 learners

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