02523 - Psychology of Work

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 (Dr. Marco De Angelis): This module provides an overview of work psychology. It also introduces current research questions and psychosocial interventions related to the structural and sociocultural changes of our time, marked by economic, technological, and informational globalization. Key themes of the discipline are highlighted with examples applied to real work situations, examined through case discussions and active student participation.

Topics covered in this module include:

• Work Psychology: What it is and its purpose.
• Current work scenarios: diversity and inclusion, decent work, sustainability.
• The other side of work psychology: Humanitarian Work Psychology.
• New technologies: Artificial Intelligence and work without spatial-temporal boundaries (smart working).
• Different dimensions of work performance.
• The psychological link between individuals and work: work-related motivations.

Module 2 (Dr. Federico Fraboni): This module aims to present and deepen some theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline, using key texts from current international literature, national experiences, and research projects funded by the European Commission's framework programs. Active student participation is strongly encouraged.

Topics covered in this module include:

• Emotions in work contexts: meaning and importance.
• Work costs and benefits: primarily focusing on work-related stress.
• Workplace safety and risk management.
• From organizational needs analysis to developing organizational interventions.
• Experiences from European research projects: project management aspects.

Readings/Bibliography

Sarchielli G., Fraccaroli F. (2023). Introduzione alla Psicologia del Lavoro, Bologna, Il Mulino (3rd edition).

Additional materials will be suggested by the instructors to supplement the topics covered in the text or for further study and will be available on the course's online platform.

Teaching methods

The content will be covered through lectures, guided discussions, and exercises to be completed individually or in small groups. Examples of major operational problems and key intervention techniques will also be presented. Videos on specific situations may be shown for classroom commentary.

For this reason, attending classes (although not mandatory by regulation) is essential to fully benefit from participating in this course. In a study program like SVIC, the real added value of this course is recognizing some intervention techniques, supported by sufficient conceptual background, and being able to apply them in concrete situations. This is only possible through practical discussion in class.

If you cannot or do not wish to actively participate in the classes, your curiosity about work psychology can likely be satisfied by: a) Reading the recommended manual or other texts that will be suggested upon request; b) Reviewing the lectures and other available resources like Integrated Digital Teaching.

Assessment methods

Assessment for Attending Students consists in two steps:

1. First Step: For each module, students must submit a mini-report (max 2 pages) on a topic agreed upon with the instructor, chosen from a list of articles/texts presented in the first class of each module.
2. Final Step: An oral exam (covering both modules) based on two questions related to the topics covered in class.

Assessment for Non-Attending Students: The exam (covering both modules) will be in written form only. It consists of six multiple-choice questions and six open-ended questions, with a duration of 50 minutes.

Open-ended Questions:

• Require not just memorization but the application of studied models and theories to concrete situations.
• Are worth four times more than multiple-choice questions due to their difficulty.
• Are evaluated based on a mix of answer precision, argumentative and terminological correctness, and the quality and appropriateness of explanations and examples.

Multiple-choice Questions:

• Present three answer alternatives.
• Incorrect answers are penalized by deducting 1/3 of the points that would be earned for a correct answer.
• No penalty for unanswered questions.
• Difficulty is calibrated to allow achieving the highest marks within the allotted time. Students can withdraw from the exam at any time and retake it in the next session if desired.

Important Note: Registration is required to access the exam. The registration list closes 7 days before the exam date, with no exceptions, to allow adequate preparation of written tests, which are organized into equivalent parallel versions, especially in case of a large number of candidates. Exchange students may, with the instructor's agreement, answer open-ended questions in English.

Teaching tools

The VIRTUALE e-learning platform will be the main support for teaching activities.

Presentations, audiovisual materials, documents indicated in class, and/or available for download on the dedicated platform.

Students will have access to both the VIRTUALE and PANOPTO platforms to view and retrieve all materials and information shared in class.

Office hours

See the website of Marco De Angelis

See the website of Federico Fraboni