SOCIOLOGY OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS

The course presents the structural and behavioral characteristics of the complex organizational systems, having as reference, in comparative terms, the Public Administration (PA), the non-profit and profit organizations.

The aim is to provide students with the ability to critically analyze the dynamics of the governance processes of network systems and the characteristics of the regulatory mechanisms used in integration processes by organizations that produce public goods or manage common goods.

The first part of the course is of a theoretical nature – characterized by a historical and social recognition from the Weberian concept of bureaucracy up to the most recent orientations on the possibilities and limits of a post-bureaucratic organization of work, such as the corporate case of Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention. The theoretical part consists of five face-to-face lectures and five asynchronous lessons in self-learning and self-assessment mode.

The second part—planned as synchronous online lessons—consists of workshops (working groups) in which students are invited to apply the concepts and theories presented during the lessons using social research techniques (semi-structured interviews). There will also be at least one seminar in which an external expert will present their experience in managing complex organizations.

The course aims to enable students to:
- know the evolution of the different theories of analysis of bureaucratic processes
- know the socio-cultural dynamics of complex social systems
- know and be able to use the main sociological concepts in the analysis of bureaucracies
- be able to collect a social research technique: the semi-structured interview

The basic concepts of Sociology

The training programme is divided into two main teaching modules, in line with the course’s blended learning format:

1. Theoretical Module (Classroom & Asynchronous):

- Face-to-face sessions (Sessions 1–4): Introduction to the concepts of complex social systems and analysis of classical theories of bureaucracy (Weber, Merton, Gouldner, Selznick, Crozier, Mintzberg). During this initial phase, planning for the group work begins
- Transition seminar (Face-to-face Lecture 5): A structured workshop is held with an external expert (‘Managing Public Organisations’) to share first-hand experiences of governance

- Asynchronous lessons (Lessons 1–5 online): The online component begins (asynchronous Lesson 1) with a debriefing and critical analysis of the seminar. Students will reflect on the experience, following a guide provided by the lecturer, to link it to general theoretical frameworks and construct a semantic map of the concepts that emerged. The subsequent asynchronous lessons (Lessons 2–5) continue the theoretical approach by critically analysing contemporary and innovative contributions to governance (hybrid governance, nudge theory, the Netflix case, D.O.G.E.). At the start of each lesson, the lecturer will provide a brief pre-recorded introductory outline, after which students will continue independently through self-directed learning.

2. Practical-Workshop Module (Synchronous):

- ‘Conducting Social Research’ workshop (Lessons 1–5: synchronous online sessions): Students take part in synchronous workshop sessions designed to help them acquire practical and methodological knowledge. In small working groups, students actively collaborate to design a qualitative research project, conduct and analyse semi-structured interviews with real stakeholders, and present their findings in a plenary session (synchronous session 5) using PowerPoint presentations, whilst commenting on and providing peer feedback on each other’s work.
- Students may, on an optional basis, undertake the same group work process independently (designing the qualitative research, drafting the interview guide and conducting the semi-structured interview, text analysis, and a brief final report).
- The workshop activity, whether carried out in a group or individually, will be assessed on a scale of 30.

1. Core reading (Compulsory for all):
• G. Bonazzi (2008, 14th edition), Storia del pensiero organizzativo, vol. 2, 'La questione burocratica', FrancoAngeli, Milan (pp. 193–336).

2. Essays and supplementary readings on innovative topics (Compulsory for all – available in digital format on Moodle):

• For the module on Hybrid Governance: Bertin, G. (2009), ‘“Hybrid” Governance’, in Studi di Sociologia, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 249–280.
• For the module on Nudge Theory: Selected readings and extracts on R. Thaler’s nudge theory.
• For the module on the Netflix case study: Extracts from organisational analysis and materials relating to Netflix’s ‘No rules rules’ model and its ‘Culture of Reinvention’.
• For the module on the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.): A dossier of current readings and sociological analysis on the impact of the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.) on the US public administration.

The assessment of learning combines the evaluation of theoretical knowledge with its practical application. The final mark is calculated on the basis of:

• Assessment of the individual written examination, focusing on the theoretical reference texts and the documentation listed as compulsory in the ‘Course Materials’ folder on Moodle.

• Assessment of the practical work, based on the research design, the conduct of interviews with stakeholders in the field, the textual analysis of the content and the final presentation of the results.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The marks for the written test are awarded as follows:

A. marks in the range 18-22:
- sufficient knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- limited capacity for analysis;
- limited ability to make independent judgements;

B. marks in the range 23-26:
- fair knowledge and ability of applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- discrete ability to analyse syllabus topics and concepts;
- fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language relating to the
subject of bureaucracy and complex social organisations;

C. marks in the range 27-30:
- good or very good knowledge and ability of applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- good or very good ability to analyse the themes and concepts of the syllabus;
- fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language relating to the subject of bureaucracy and complex social organisations;

D. award of 'lode':
It will be awarded in the presence of knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus, excellent judgement and communication skills.

The course favors student-centered teaching, which emphasizes the active participation of the student by placing him at the center of the teaching process to facilitate a reflective approach, critical and analytical learning and greater autonomy.