94244 - Work and Orientation Psychology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:
- Understand the main theoretical models, methods, and tools useful for designing guidance interventions to counteract school dropout;
- Understand the main theoretical models, methods, and tools useful for designing guidance interventions to support educational and work transitions;
- Understand the main methods and tools (e.g., skills assessment) useful for designing orientation pathways to support the socio-occupational integration of vulnerable groups (e.g., former inmates, immigrants, people in social disadvantage);
- Be able to analyze the psycho-social variables involved in the guidance process;
- Be able to critically evaluate guidance pathways aimed at preventing situations of social distress;
- Be able to design orientation and job placement pathways for individuals experiencing distressing situations.

Course contents

The course aims to delve into the theoretical, research, and practical-professional aspects of traditional work psychology topics, based on current international literature and with a constant focus on intervention perspectives. Additionally, the course aims to provide an introduction to the main foundational assumptions in the field of guidance, in order to develop the initial useful elements related to the design and application of interventions in this area.

Main Contents:

• Main theories and research areas in work psychology
• Main theoretical approaches in career counseling psychology
• Traditional career and new career paths
• Work flexibility and job insecurity
• Employability
• Career competencies
• Career anchors (role and types)
• Counseling methods for educational and professional guidance
• Group guidance
• Tools for job placement and development
• Psychosocial risk factors and health
• Main models for understanding work-related stress
• Workplace well-being
• Motivation
• Job satisfaction
• Counterproductive work behaviors
• Technology and work

Readings/Bibliography

Below are the chapters to be studied for each listed text:

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

• Capitolo I. Lo studio psicologico del lavoro.
• Capitolo II. Nuovi scenari per il lavoro.
• Capitolo III. Lavorare oggi: domande e risorse.
• Capitolo IV. Il legame psicologico tra individuo e lavoro.
  
• Capitolo VII. Ricavi e costi del lavoro.
• Capitolo VIII. Condotte lavorative anomale e controproducenti

2) Guglielmi, D. & Chiesa, R. (2021). Orientamento scolastico e professionale. Bologna: Il Mulino

• Capitolo I. Nuove sfide per l’orientamento
  
• Capitolo III. Funzioni dell’orientamento e competenze per attuarle
  
• Capitolo V. L’orientamento di gruppo
  

3) Toderi, S. & Sarchielli, G. (2013). Sviluppare la carriera lavorativa. Bologna: Il Mulino

• Capitolo III. Teoria delle ancore di carriera
• Capitolo IV. Metodi per le ancore di carriera
  

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, integrated with group discussions in the classroom and material made available on the platform Virtuale: https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Notices and Rules for Effective Teaching

Students are strongly encouraged to actively participate in the educational activities and are responsible for keeping themselves informed about announcements made during the lessons and/or on the platform Virtuale.

Students are expected to always demonstrate correct and respectful behavior. This includes avoiding illicit behaviors that are subject to disciplinary action (e.g., copying texts from classmates or the internet, falsifying data, etc.) as well as adhering to social norms.

Assessment methods

The final exam will be a written test based on the exam syllabus listed in the "Texts/Bibliography" section.

The exam consists of 4 open-ended questions to be answered within 90 minutes.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders are invited to contact the professor to adapt the exam format.

To take the exam, registration through the AlmaEsami application is required.

Those who are unable to register by the deadline due to technical issues must report the problem to the educational office and the instructor before the registration period closes.

On Virtuale, a comprehensive list of questions will be available, making all possible exam questions accessible to students.

The exam results will be published on AlmaEsami.

Students who wish to discuss their exam results can attend office hours (every Tuesday from 10 to 12). To discuss the exam, it is essential that the student has already conducted a preliminary self-assessment of their test by comparing their answers with the textbook content.

To book an appointment, please send an email.

Please check for any schedule changes to the office hours in the "News" section of the professor's webpage.

Teaching tools

The main teaching tools will be:

• PowerPoint presentations
• Group exercises
• Printed material

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

Office hours

See the website of Greta Mazzetti

See the website of Giulia Paganin