66050 - Psychology Of Labour

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows:
- the main research approaches in the field of work psychology;
- the main theoretical orientations relating to issues of human resource management (recruitment, selection, placement, training);
- the relationships between individual-group-organization in the construction of their work;
- the skills that allow them to work in a team with other professionals.

Course contents

Main topics covered during the course:

-The psychological study of work
-Working today: the need for a new psychological contract
-The psychological relationship between the individual and work
-The worker and job tasks
-Psychology, health and safety at work
-The costs and benefits of work
-Counterproductive and dysfunctional work behaviours
-Organizational well-being
-Work-related stress and burnout
-Careers in contemporary organizations
-Recruitment, training, career guidance and personnel development
-Individual development within and beyond organizations
-Work groups, teams, organizational structures, leadership, and group effectiveness and efficiency

These topics will also be addressed from the perspective of inclusive and sustainable industrial development, multiculturalism, innovation, and diversity management, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Particular attention will be devoted to the transformations of contemporary work, with a focus on digitalization processes and recent developments in Artificial Intelligence. Opportunities, challenges, and implications for employee well-being, organizations, and helping professions will be critically discussed.

Each topic will first be introduced from a theoretical and conceptual perspective. Subsequently, the available empirical evidence supporting its relevance for individuals and organizations will be examined. For the main applied topics, organizational case studies will also be presented.

Readings/Bibliography

Sarchielli, G., e Fraccaroli, F. (2023). Introduzione alla psicologia del lavoro. Bologna: Il Mulino. - TERZA EDIZIONE

Balducci, C. & Fraccaroli F. (2022). Stress e rischi psicosociali nelle organizzazioni. Bologna: Il Mulino. Capitoli 4,5,6. https://www-darwinbooks-it.ezproxy.unibo.it/doi/10.978.8815/371591/toc

- Malaguti, D. (2018). Fare squadra: Psicologia dei gruppi di lavoro. Bologna: Il Mulino. Chapters 1,2,5 e 6. On Darwin Books, free for Unibo students, https://www.darwinbooks.it/doi/10.978.8815/350558/toc

Further material: powerpoint slides of topics presented during the course.

Teaching methods

The primary teaching method will be face-to-face lectures. Classes will be complemented by guided discussions, the analysis of scientific articles, case studies, and audiovisual materials, with the aim of fostering students' active participation and developing their critical thinking and analytical skills. Guest speakers with expertise relevant to the course learning objectives may also be invited to contribute to selected sessions.

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of an on-campus written examination comprising 24 multiple-choice questions (each with four or five response options) and 3 open-ended questions. The total duration of the examination is 45 minutes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a valuable tool to support individual study by facilitating further exploration, summarization, and self-assessment. However, the use of generative AI tools during the examination is not permitted. Any such use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Erasmus students are invited to contact the course instructor to discuss the possibility of taking the examination orally and in English.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD/DSA) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support service in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en). The service will propose any appropriate accommodations, which must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination for approval, taking into account the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint slides of the material covered during lectures. AT the beginning of the course the slides will be available for download at https://virtuale.unibo.it/  . 

Office hours

See the website of Marco Giovanni Mariani