01353 - Psychology of Organisations and Labour

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module the student is able to understand how the stress-strain mechanism and especially work-related stress works, and to identify its different facets. Specifically, the student is able to: - define the concept of work-related stress; - list and describe the different psychosocial risks potentially present in work organisations; - describe the physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural health outcomes related to exposure to psychosocial risks (including the burnout phenomenon); - discuss the critical factors when implementing a psychosocial risk assessment in healthcare organisations.

Course contents

The course provides a basic knowledge of the main theories and studies that have marked the development of Wokr and Organizational Psychology.
The programme will outline and deepen the organisational health and safety field of study, with particular focus on introducing the main theoretical approaches to psychosocial risk factors and work-related stress risk. Building on the international literature applied to the healthcare context, the main physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural stress outcomes will be highlighted and discussed, especially concerning work engagement, burnout, satisfaction and mental health. Through case studies, the key steps in conducting psychosocial risk assessment in organisations will be outlined, focusing on possible levers and barriers in the implementation process.

• Basics of Work and Organisational Psychology
• Stress, definition, theoretical models and psychosocial risk factors
• Organisational health and safety outcomes
• Organisational well-being, technostress and burnout
• Psychosocial risk assessment, legislation and stages of assessment
• Analysis of case studies in healthcare organisations

Readings/Bibliography

The slides and scientific articles presented during the course and uploaded to the VIRTUALE e-learning platform will constitute the core material for the exam.

Suggested texts and further reading:

Ashleigh, M., Mansi, A., & Di Stefano, G. (2019). Psicologia del lavoro e delle organizzazioni (II Edizione). Torino: Pearson.

Scientific articles on specific topics will be made available through the VIRTUALE e-learning platform.

Teaching methods

Participation. The course is designed to be highly interactive, relying on the active participation of students. attendance will be recorded and is therefore strongly encouraged. Small group work, simulations, case studies and classroom presentations are the main elements of the course.
Individual and small group work may include classroom presentations, delivery of short written papers and discussions stimulated by scientific articles provided on the VIRTUALE platform.

Policy on the use of technology in the classroom. Students are encouraged to take notes on their personal laptops, any other use is highly discouraged. The use of any other devices in class (mobile phones, cameras, etc.) is not permitted. Students who need to use voice recorders for class lectures must receive explicit permission from the teacher to do so.

Code of Ethics. All students are required to follow the University of Bologna's code of ethics. Furthermore, students are expected to treat others, themselves, the professor and the teaching staff with respect and courtesy, including respect for diversity of all kinds.

Assessment methods

The course consists of two tests, staggered over time. Each test allows the student to obtain a grade that will contribute to the final grade, which ranges from 0 to 30, with 18 being the minimum passing grade.

Test to be handed in before the end of the lessons. A case study on the topic of psychosocial risk assessment applied in a healthcare context (up to a maximum of 16 points).

At the end of the course. An oral interview on the topics covered during the lessons (up to a maximum of 16 points).

Teaching tools

The VIRTUALE e-learning platform will be the main support for the teaching activity.

Scientific articles, useful materials, further readings, lecture slides and assignments will be shared on the e-learning platform.
At the beginning of the course, all information related to the course (individual assignments, rules for group work deadlines, evaluation criteria, etc.) will be available on the VIRTUALE platform for download and will be explained during the first day of class.

Students with disabilities or specific learning needs are invited to contact the teacher to discuss special needs or possibilities for adapting examination methods.

Office hours

See the website of Marco De Angelis