70014 - Human Resources Psychology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the training activity: - the student knows the main theoretical models used to study the psychological implications of the work experience and to analyze the interdependent relationships between the individual, the task and the organization; - knows the main theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches for analyzing processes that promote well-being or stimulate stressogenic dynamics in the work context; - knows the main methods for effective work group management and conflict resolution; - is able to plan interventions to promote positive interpersonal relationships in organizational contexts.

Course contents

The course aims to explore the theoretical, research and operational aspects of traditional topics in Work Psychology, according to the current international literature and with constant attention to intervention strategies.

It also considers the theoretical assumptions and perspectives of intervention to promote effective teamwork, effective leadership behaviors as a function of different contexts/tasks, and effective group and conflict management.

Content:

• Main theories and research areas in Work Psychology.
• Psychosocial risk factors and health.
• Principal models of work-related stress interpretation.
• Well-being promotion and levels of prevention in organizational contexts
• Work engagement and burnout
• Job demands and resources model (JD-R model)
• Motivation
• Job satisfaction
• Proactivity in the workplace: job crafting strategies
• Mobbing
• Changes in work contexts
  
• Working in teams
• Communication, structure and roles in teams
• Norms within groups
• Group effectiveness and efficiency
• Conflict in groups: antecedents and outcomes for workers and work contexts
• Management of conflict dynamics in groups

Readings/Bibliography

ATTENDING STUDENTS:

For the purpose of the exam, attending students will study:

1) All the presentations and documents used during the lessons.

2) Chmiel, N., Fraccaroli, F. & Sverke, M. (2019). Introduzione alla psicologia delle organizzazioni. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Students must study the following chapters:

• CAPITOLO 2. Job crafting per dipendenti e organizzazioni sostenibili
  
• CAPITOLO 8. Socializzazione organizzativa e contratto psicologico
  
• CAPITOLO 10. Lo studio della leadership organizzativa
• CAPITOLO 11. Il lavoro in team nelle organizzazioni
  
• CAPITOLO 15. Promuovere il benessere organizzativo
  

3) Malaguti, D. (2007 or 2018). Fare squadra. Psicologia dei gruppi di lavoro. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Students must study the following chapters:

• Gruppo e organizzazione
• Strutture di gruppo
• Norme, cultura di gruppo e socializzazione
• Conflitto
• Efficienza ed efficacia
  

 

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:

For the purpose of the exam, attending students will study the following texts (all the chapters):

1) Chmiel, N., Fraccaroli, F. & Sverke, M. (2019). Introduzione alla psicologia delle organizzazioni. Bologna: Il Mulino.

2) Malaguti, D. (2007 or 2018). Fare squadra. Psicologia dei gruppi di lavoro. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Teaching methods

The course is based on an interactive and participatory approach using teaching tools such as group work, simulations, project work, case studies, and discussions with external professionals. Such methods are part of the more general innovative teaching approach that characterizes a highly professional and qualifying LM course. These methods are part of an innovative teaching approach that characterizes this highly qualifying LM course.

This course participates in the University Teaching Experimentation Project.


Warnings and rules of good educational functioning

Class attendance is recommended and verified. The course program final assessment are different for experimental students (who attend class) and for students who do not attend class. The interactive experiences provided during class are intended to enhance student learning and also reduce some of the program for autonomous learning at home.

Students are strongly encouraged to actively participate in class and progressively work on their assigned tasks. They are responsible for keeping up to date with information provided in class and/or on the https://virtuale.unibo.it platform.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a proper and respectful manner at all times. This includes both avoiding unauthorized behavior that is subject to disciplinary action (e.g., copying texts from classmates or the Internet, falsifying data, etc.) and following basic social rules.

Assessment methods

EXPERIMENTAL (ATTENDING) STUDENTS:

The following products will be evaluated:

• Development and presentation of an intervention project working in couples or teams
  
• Mid- and end-of-course written exam
  

The overall grade corresponds to the average of the evaluations obtained in those tests described above.

Instructions regarding the project intervention will be provided at the beginning of the course.

The final written test consists of 3 open-ended questions (60 minutes).

Each answer will be scored from 0 to 5 points (max 15 points).

The evaluation is based on the following criteria: 1) answer exhaustiveness; 2) answer consistency; 3) ability of personal reflection.

 

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:

For students not regularly attending classes, the final exam will be a written test based on the exam program for non-attending students listed in the “Texts/Bibliography” box.

In that case, the final exam will comprise 5 open-ended questions (90 minutes).

The final grade will be in 30s, therefore each answer will be scored from 0 to 6 points. The scoring will take into account the following criteria: 1) answer exhaustiveness; 2) answer consistency; 3) ability of personal reflection.

In order to take the exam, students must enrol through AlmaEsami application. Students who are unable to enrol by the expected deadline due to technical problems, are required to promptly notify the Teaching Secretariat and the Professor.

Teaching tools

The course will be based on innovative teaching methods, in compliance with the objectives and

contents listed in the program. The main teaching tools will be:

• Group exercises
• PowerPoint
• Videos
• Printed documents
• Online collaboration tools (e.g., Mural, Lucidspark, Mentimeter)

Where possible, downloadable materials will be available at https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Office hours

See the website of Greta Mazzetti