Instructor Information

Dr. Neal Chalofsky
(office) 202-994-7188
(fax) 202-994-4928
nealcha@gwu.edu

Course Description

Numerous studies indicate that millions of Americans, especially members of the baby boom generation and the current “twenty-something’s”, are searching for meaning in their lives.  This search has been particularly significant in the workplace as we try to cope with the turbulence, stress, and pace of change that continues to exist; if not increase.  This course will explore the characteristics of the humane organization, and in particular, meaningful work.


Objectives

a.       To identify the theories, concepts, and research related to the humane organization and meaningful work.
b.      To explore the literature on this topic and related themes such as stewardship, spirituality, values, love & work, and corporate social responsibility.
c.       To reflect on the impact of workplace meaning to one’s own “journey”.

Required Readings

Book: Matthew Fox, The Reinvention of Work, Harper Collins, 1994

 Also recommended:

1. Barbara Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed, Henry Holt & Co./Owl Books, 2001.
2. Robert Levering, A Great Place to Work, Great place to Work Institute, 2000.

Expectations and Assignments

This course is taught as a seminar and students are expected to engage in scholarly discussion concerning the class subject and as such grading is based on:  

1. Paper* – This is both a literature-based paper and a personal reflection piece that should incorporate the relevant literature and should emphasize your own thoughts and feelings about this topic.  Include how you would ideally change your workplace and your work.  Use APA style for citations and references but write in the first person.  No guideline on length.  (50%)

2. Participation – The quality of your oral participation and the contribution of resources is critical to the success of this course. (50%)

*Paper submission details (date and means) – TBA

Class Schedule and Topics

Classes will meet four times on Thursdays at 44983 Knoll Square, Virginia Campus Building 2, in the Conference Room of the ELP office (Ste. 391), at the following times:  

Session 1: September 15^th, 5:30-9:30 pm

a.       Syllabus
b.      Introduction: What is a humane workplace?
c.       The forces leading to the study of the humane workplace
d.      Motivation and work
e.       Quality of work/life
f.        The meaningful work construct

Session 2: November 10^th, 5:30-9:30 pm

a.       The Self

1)      Spirituality and work
2)      The mental, physical, and emotional self
3)      Life purpose/goals
4)      Learning
5)      Positive belief system  

b.      The Work

1)      Performance-flow
2)      Artful work (creativity & innovation)
3)      Job sculpting/crafting

Session 3: December 15^th, 5:30-9:30 pm

a.       Work/life balance

         1)      Balance and integration in personal & work life
         2)      Free-agent/temporary employment
         3)      Telecommuting  

b.      The workplace

1)      Organization culture/values
2)      Ethics
3)      Social responsibility
4)      Organization structure
5)      Leadership
6)      The organization as community  

Session 4: January 19^th, 5:30-9:30 pm

a.       Societal/Global Issues  

b.      Integrated Wholeness

Disclosures
 
Academic Integrity: Students are expected to conduct themselves with high ethical standards and comply with the GWU "Code of Academic Integrity" at http://www.gwu.edu/~ntegrity/code.html Instances of apparent code violations will be investigated.

Disability: "If you have a disability that will require accommodation in this class, please inform the instructor and register with GWU's Disability Support Services office (202-994-8250). Please allow a reasonable length of time for the necessary accommodations to be arranged."