02523 - Occupational Psychology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the training activity, the student: - knows and understands the main concepts and theoretical approaches of Work Psychology applied to the understanding of the issues of human resource management (recruitment, selection, placement, training); acquires the ability to analyse and understand work contexts with particular attention to the inter-dependence relationships between the individual, the work task, the organization and the work group / team; - possess basic analysis and intervention skills to operate in organizational processes related to the management of human resources; - possess the ability to analyse and manage work groups.

Course contents

The course provides a basic knowledge of the main theories and methods of study and intervention in Occupational Psychology. Particular emphasis will be devoted to the discussion of those constructs and methods that find broader application in the field of sports and the management of sports activities.

During the lessons some of the key concepts of work psychology applied to the management of people at work will be discussed such as motivational processes, work socialization and the crucial aspects related to the different components of work performance (e.g. task performance, contextual performance, adaptive performance , etc.). Particular attention will be paid to the deepening of the relationships between the dynamics of work contexts and individual and organizational malaise / well-being.

During the course the concepts and models useful for understanding the dynamics of teams and work groups will also be studied in depth, with particular reference to the communication, psycho-social and leadership processes at the basis of an effective team game. On the latter aspect, some intervention techniques will be illustrated for the effective management of conflicts and resources within the working groups in order to maximize their collective performance.

Subjects:

• Main theories and research areas in Occupational Psychology

• Main reading models of work-related stress and coping strategies

• Promotion of well-being and prevention in organizational contexts

• The recruitment, selection and training of personnel

• Performance management and career development

• Organizational culture and changes in work contexts

• Conflict, Communication and Management of emotions at Work

• Methods for creating and developing effective work teams

• Leadership models and application contexts

• Management of diversity and inclusion in the workplace

The topics will be presented from a theoretical-conceptual point of view and then the empirical evidence and case studies available that testify their relevance for individuals, groups and organizations will be examined.

Readings/Bibliography

For all students:

• Sarchielli, G., e Fraccaroli, F. (2017). Introduzione alla psicologia del lavoro. Bologna: Il Mulino.
• Quaglino, G. P., & Cortese, C. G. (2003). Gioco di squadra. Raffaello Cortina.

For non-attending students, the preparation of an additional text will be required:

• Balducci, C. (2015). Gestire lo stress nelle organizzazioni. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Scientific articles and further educational material will be provided on specific topics and will be made available through the VIRTUAL e-learning platform.

In addition, the lecture slides will constitute additional teaching material to be used for exam preparation.

No particular previous knowledge is required for the successful attendance of the lessons.

Teaching methods

The main mode will be the frontal lesson. Classroom discussions will be stimulated on the basis of the reading of scientific articles and the viewing of videos on topics related to the course. In addition, there may be interventions by external guests, experts in the topics of the course.

Assessment methods

The exam is written online and consists of a series of closed questions, which present five different answer alternatives.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities are invited to contact the teacher if they wish to evaluate the possibility of adapting the examination method (e.g. oral exam) or if they have special needs also in relation to the lessons.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint slides of the lessons held.

Following each lesson, the slides will be downloadable from the site https://virtuale.unibo.it/.

Office hours

See the website of Simone Donati