02523 - Labour Psychology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - knows the main concepts and theoretical approaches developed by the discipline to analyse the interdependent relationships between the individual, the work task and the particular social context of the work organisation. Furthermore, the student develops specific relational skills relevant to group interaction and the work conflict management. In particular, the student is able to - understand and analyse work contexts - choose methodological and instrumental orientations for research and intervention according to the specific characteristics of the working contexts.

Course contents

The course consists of two modules.

Module 1 – Prof. Marco De Angelis

The first module introduces the main concepts and areas of application of work psychology. Particular attention is paid to the structural, technological and sociocultural transformations that are changing work and the relationship between people and organisations.

The topics will also be discussed through examples, cases and practical experiences, with the active participation of students.

The main topics are:

• Work psychology: what it is and what it is for. Current work scenarios: diversity and inclusion, decent work and sustainability.
• The other side of work psychology: Humanitarian Work Psychology.
• The psychological relationship between individuals and work: work motivation.
• New technologies and new frontiers of work: Artificial Intelligence, work without spatial and temporal boundaries (smart working), and the algorithmic management of organisations.
• New employment relationships: developments in the psychological contract.

Module 2 – Prof. Federico Fraboni

The second module presents and explores theoretical and applied aspects of the discipline, drawing on current international literature, practical experiences from the Italian context, and research projects funded through the European Commission’s framework programmes. Active student participation is strongly encouraged.

The main topics are:

• Emotions in work contexts: meaning and relevance.
• Benefits and costs of work, with a particular focus on work-related stress.
• Occupational safety and risk management.
• From organisational needs analysis to the development of organisational interventions.
• Insights from European research projects: project management aspects.

Readings/Bibliography

The reference textbook is:

Sarchielli, G., & Fraccaroli, F. (2023). Introduzione alla psicologia del lavoro (3rd edition). Bologna: Il Mulino.

 

• Attending students

Exam preparation is primarily based on the topics covered during classes and on the presentations made available by the lecturers on the Virtuale platform.

The textbook is recommended for consolidating and extending the topics addressed during the course.

 

• Non-attending students

Exam preparation requires:

• study of the reference textbook;
• study of the presentations from both modules available on the Virtuale platform.

Any optional further materials will be clearly identified as such and made available on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

The course is delivered in person and combines lectures, guided discussions, case analysis, audiovisual materials, and individual or small-group exercises.

The applied activities allow students to use concepts and models from work psychology to interpret concrete organisational problems and situations. Classroom discussion also supports the development of analytical, argumentative and discussion skills.

Attendance is not mandatory under University regulations. Regular participation is, however, strongly recommended, as exercises, discussions and case analyses are an important part of the learning experience.

To qualify for the assessment route for attending students, students must attend at least 50% of the classes in each module.

Assessment methods

The exam is graded on a 30-point scale and is passed with a minimum mark of 18/30. Different assessment routes apply to attending and non-attending students.

• Attending students

Students are considered attending students if they participate in at least 50% of the classes in each module.

For each module, students must submit an individual report of no more than two pages on a topic agreed with the lecturer. Submission deadlines and procedures will be published on Virtuale.

Each report is assessed on a pass/fail basis. A passing report must demonstrate command of the selected topic, critical and reflective analysis, application of knowledge, and clarity of presentation. Students must pass both reports before taking the oral exam.

The oral exam covers both modules. It begins with a discussion of the reports and then extends to the topics addressed during classes. The final mark is based exclusively on the oral exam and considers the accuracy of the answers, the ability to connect topics, critical autonomy, and the application of knowledge.

Use of Artificial Intelligence: for the purposes of assessment, the exam consists of one component involving substantial use of AI and one compulsory component requiring critical analysis. Any use of AI in the reports must be declared. During the oral exam, students must demonstrate that they can discuss and critically evaluate what they have produced.

 

• Non-attending students

The exam consists of a 70-minute written test conducted in person. It includes six multiple-choice questions worth 1 point each and six open-ended questions worth up to 4 points each.

The open-ended questions assess conceptual and terminological accuracy, argumentative ability, and the application of knowledge to concrete situations.

For the multiple-choice questions, a correct answer is worth 1 point, an incorrect answer results in a deduction of one third of a point, and an unanswered question receives no penalty.

Books, notes, digital devices and Artificial Intelligence systems are not permitted during the exam. Exchange students may answer the open-ended questions in English, subject to prior agreement with the lecturer.

 

 

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities should contact the responsible University office as soon as possible: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students . The office will propose any appropriate adjustments. Requests must be submitted to the lecturer at least 15 days before the exam date. The lecturer will assess their appropriateness in relation to the learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

The presentations used during classes, audiovisual materials, working documents and any supplementary materials will be made available on the Virtuale platform.

Virtuale will also be used for announcements, report instructions, deadlines and information about exams.

Any recordings and additional digital resources will be made available through Panopto, when applicable.

Students who require adaptations to teaching materials or tools are encouraged to contact the lecturers and the relevant University service in good time.

Office hours

See the website of Marco De Angelis

See the website of Federico Fraboni