07269 - Psychology of Organisations

Learning outcomes

At the end of the training activity, the student:
a) knows the main theoretical models;
b) is able to apply theoretical knowledge to various areas of professional practice;
c) understands the distinguishing characteristics of the main intervention methodologies.

Course contents

Introduction to Work and Organizational Psychology
- Definition and scope of the discipline
- The role of work and organizational psychologists
- Career opportunities and relevant professional organizations

Cognitive Ergonomics and Human Factors
- Methods and techniques of ergonomics and human factors
- Human-machine interface
- User experience and system usability

Technology and Work, Automation, Robotics, and AI
- Impact of new technologies on work and organization
- Opportunities and challenges of automation, robotics, and AI
- Managing technological change and developing digital skills

Job Analysis
- Data collection methods for job analysis
- Development of job descriptions and task specifications
- Using job analysis results for human resource management

Performance Evaluation
- Identification of conceptual and concrete performance indicators
- Design and implementation of effective evaluation systems
- Managing the evaluation process and providing feedback to employees

Personnel Selection
- Job analysis and competency profile definition
- Selection methods and techniques: interviews, tests, assessment centers
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the selection and onboarding process

Training and Development of Human Resources
- Analysis of training needs
- Design and evaluation of training interventions
- Methods and techniques for staff training and development

Leadership in Organizations
- Approaches to studying leadership: from traits to behaviors
- Leadership styles and their effectiveness
- Developing leadership skills

Workplace Safety
- Theoretical models
- Causes and consequences
- Prevention and management strategies at the individual and organizational levels

Groups and Teams in Organizations
- Group dynamics and team life cycle
- Factors influencing team effectiveness
- Managing decision-making processes and relationships within workgroups

Organizational Change
- Theoretical models of organizational change
- Resistance to change and strategies to overcome it
- Managing the change process and effective communication

Innovation
- Types of innovation: product, process, organizational
- Factors that facilitate or hinder innovation
- Managing innovation and fostering an innovative culture

Work Motivation
- Theories of motivation: content and process
- Factors influencing work motivation
- Strategies to increase employee motivation and engagement

Organizational Structure and Culture
- Types of organizational structures and their characteristics
- Elements and levels of organizational culture
- Alignment between structure, culture, and business strategy

Readings/Bibliography

Reference Text

Title:  Work and Organizational Psychology
Authors: D.M. Truxillo, T.N. Bauer, B. Erdogan
Editors: M. Miglioretti, S. Zaniboni
Publisher:UTET Università
Year:2020
  

Additional articles or materials will also be made available by the instructors for exam preparation.

Teaching methods

The primary mode of instruction will be lectures. This will be complemented by in-class discussions on the topics presented, case studies (individual and organizational), and seminars conducted by invited experts (practitioners and academics) to delve into specific aspects of the course program.

Assessment methods

General Information about the Written Exam

The exam is written and consists of a test with a series of open-ended and closed questions.
The questions will cover the entire indicated textbook and slides that will be made available on Virtuale.unibo.it. There are no differences in the exam program between attending and non-attending students. Attendance is encouraged to acquire knowledge progressively and participate in classroom exercises. Open-ended questions require writing in the available space. The evaluation of open-ended questions is based on the following criteria: relevance, completeness, and clarity of the response. Closed questions present four different answer options, of which only one is correct. The test assigns a maximum of 31 points. The time allowed for the exam is 45 minutes.

Score and Passing Grade
A passing grade is achieved if 18 points are obtained considering the sum of points from both open-ended and closed questions. Honors (distinction) are awarded in case of a perfect test (31 points obtained), meaning correct answers to all closed questions and fully satisfactory responses (completely relevant, complete, and clear) to open-ended questions.

Registration and Aids
Examples of exam questions will be provided during lessons. Registration for the test is done through the Almaesami application. No aids (calculator, dictionary, etc.) are needed - or allowed, except in special cases to be arranged in advance with the professor - for taking the test.

Teaching tools

The slides from the sessions will be available for download from the Virtuale platform after each lecture.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Pietrantoni

See the website of Salvatore Zappalà