07269 - Psychology of Organisations

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will:
a) understand the main theoretical models in work and organizational psychology;
b) be able to apply theoretical knowledge to different areas of professional practice;
c) be familiar with the features of the main intervention methodologies.

Course contents

Introduction to Work and Organizational Psychology

• Definition and scope of the discipline
• The role of the work and organizational psychologist
• Career opportunities and relevant professional organizations

Job Analysis

• Data collection methods for job analysis
• Development of job descriptions and job specifications
• Using job analysis results for human resource management

Job Performance Indicators and Performance Appraisal

• Identifying conceptual and behavioral indicators of job performance
• Designing and implementing effective performance appraisal systems
• Managing the appraisal process and providing performance feedback

Personnel Selection

• Job analysis and competency profiling
• Selection methods and techniques: interviews, psychological testing, and assessment centers
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the selection process and onboarding

Training and Human Resource Development

• Training needs analysis
• Design and evaluation of training interventions
• Methods and techniques for employee training and development

Work Motivation

• Content and process theories of motivation
• Factors influencing work motivation
• Strategies to enhance employee motivation and engagement

Leadership in Organizations

• Approaches to the study of leadership: from trait theories to behavioral approaches
• Leadership styles and their effectiveness
• Leadership development

Attitudes and Emotions at Work

• Work attitudes: job satisfaction and organizational commitment
• Emotions at work and emotional labor

Occupational Stress and Health

• The stress process
• Antecedents and consequences of occupational stress
• Individual and organizational approaches to stress management
• Occupational safety: theoretical models and prevention strategies

Groups and Teams in Organizations

• Group dynamics and team development
• Factors affecting team effectiveness
• Decision-making processes and interpersonal relationships within work groups

Organizational Structure and Culture

• Types of organizational structures and their characteristics
• Elements and levels of organizational culture
• Alignment between organizational structure, culture, and business strategy

Organizational Change

• Resistance to change and strategies for overcoming it
• Managing organizational change and effective communication

Readings/Bibliography

Truxillo, D. M., Bauer, T. N., & Erdogan, B. (2020). Psicologia del lavoro e delle organizzazioni. UTET Università.

Additional articles and teaching materials will be made available by the instructors during the course to support exam preparation.

Teaching methods

The course will primarily consist of lectures, complemented by practical exercises and case studies involving both individuals and organizations.

Assessment methods

General Information about the Written Examination

Assessment consists of a written examination including multiple-choice questions and two open-ended questions. Sample examination questions will be provided during the course.

The examination covers the entire required textbook as well as the lecture slides made available on the Virtuale.unibo.it platform.

There is no difference in the examination requirements for attending and non-attending students. Class attendance is strongly encouraged, as it facilitates progressive learning and participation in classroom activities.

The open-ended questions must be answered within the space provided. They are assessed according to the following criteria: relevance; completeness; clarity of the answer.

Each multiple-choice question includes four response options, only one of which is correct.

The maximum score for the examination is 31 points.

During the examination, the use of any aids—including calculators, dictionaries, or other supporting materials—is not permitted.

The examination duration is 1 hour.

Students must register for the examination through the AlmaEsami online system.

The examination will take place in the computer laboratories located on Via dell'Università, Cesena.

Grading

A passing grade is achieved by obtaining at least 18 points, calculated as the sum of the scores obtained in the multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

Honours (lode) are awarded only in the case of a flawless examination (31/31), requiring correct answers to all multiple-choice questions and fully satisfactory responses to the open-ended questions (i.e., entirely relevant, complete, and clearly articulated).

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or Disabilities

Students with temporary or permanent disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) should promptly contact the University's Disability and SLD Office through the following website:

https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students 

 

The Office will propose any appropriate accommodations, which must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination.

The instructor will evaluate the appropriateness of the requested accommodations in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Any supporting materials authorized for the examination must not contain screenshots of lecture slides or the textbook and must not exceed 12 pages. Such materials may consist exclusively of diagrams, concept maps, and figures (hand-drawn or produced with concept-mapping software). Definitions, classifications, and explanatory text are not permitted.

All supporting materials must be submitted in PDF format to both instructors two weeks before the examination.

Teaching tools

Lecture slides will be made available for download from the Virtuale platform after each class.

Office hours

See the website of Salvatore Zappalà

See the website of Marco Giovanni Mariani