Department of Management & Organization

The practical applications of psychology in a business setting are the focal point of human resource management and organizational behavior. By exploring the "human" side of an organization, the faculty seeks to understand employee selection, performance appraisal, compensation, training, and labor relations, as well as such aspects of management as leadership, group dynamics, decision-making, and motivation. The result is a framework for the effective management of an organization's human resources.

When researchers focus on the organization and its environment, they examine organizational theory and design, the political, legal, social, and ethical environment in which organizations operate, and the interaction of organizations with their environment. The curriculum includes courses on the management of technology and innovation, organizational theory and design, business ethics and social responsibility, business and politics, and the legal dimensions of doing business.

Business policy explores organizational effectiveness from the perspective of executive management. The emphasis is on strategic management and control, long-range planning, corporate decision-making, and entrepreneurship.


Management & Organization department brochure


For Undergraduate Students                                      For Graduate Students

BA BA Degree                                                                 Master's Programs
Human Resources Management Option                 Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship Option                                             Ph.D. in Management
Career Services                                                             Ph.D. in Technology Entrepreneurship

Society for Human Resource Management, UW Student Chapter


A Culture of Ethics
Foster School faculty lead their field in ethics research, plus teach moral leadership. Ranked #6 worldwide in ethics, find out how and why they got there.
Do-it-Yourself Entrepreneurs
User entrepreneurs invent nearly 50% of all start-up innovationsfrom medical or sports equipment to kid products. When they do, we all benefit, according to research by Professor Shah.
Autonomy = Worker Retention
How do you retain good workers? Provide a workplace or team environment that supports autonomy. New management research by Professor Lee and PhD student Diu.
Undergraduate Student Research Opportunities

Faculty regularly conduct research on a variety of subjects including leadership, emotions, ethical decision-making, strategy, entrepreneurship and other management areas. If you have an interest in assisting faculty as they conduct their research, please contact Scott Reynolds for more information.