Organizational Psychology

The course is offered as a single subject course at undergraduate level.

Content of the course

Sub-courses

1. Introduction to organisational psychology, 6 credits

Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The course introduces basic concepts and theories of organisational psychology. The history of organisational psychology is covered. This is followed by a review of the importance of individual characteristics, well-being and motivation for the functioning of organisations and workplaces.

2. Working conditions, motivation, stress and health, 6 credits

Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The course focuses on providing an overview of theoretical concepts and models for analysing and describing psychosocial work environment conditions that have an impact on human health, functioning and motivation. The course covers models of stress processes, work motivation and stress prevention. The course provides a basic introduction to research methods used to investigate the relationship between working conditions and the effects mentioned above.

3. Work groups and other groups from a psychological perspective, 6 credits

Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The course provides basic theoretical knowledge in group psychology. It includes group development theory, project psychological theory and psychodynamic theory of groups from a work life perspective.

4. Leadership and organizational behaviour, 6 credits

Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U) The field of leadership and organisational behaviour is extensive and multidisciplinary, and research shows that important factors for a leader to succeed in his/her leadership are his/her personal qualities, ability to communicate and motivate, and to give feedback on work performance. The course provides basic theoretical knowledge of leadership, management, decision-making, communication and management in organisations.

5. Organisational development and change in a global world, 6 credits

Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The course focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of how organisations develop reactively and proactively in a global world. The course integrates individual, group and organisational perspectives. The course presents theoretical and applied models for detecting the directions of development needs, global trends and the strategies of organisations, groups and individuals to adapt to situations, their drivers and resistance to change and how it appears in different cultures.

On the completion of the course the student should be able to:

Sub-Course 1: Introduction to organisational psychology 

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge of the emergence and history of organisational psychology
• Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of individual differences for work in organisations, and account for different organisational structures
• Demonstrate knowledge of theories related to motivation and social influence in the workplace.

Skills and competences

• Apply knowledge of individual differences in personality and identify individuals' motivators using theoretical concepts.
• Apply knowledge of organisational structures and understand their implications for interaction and cooperation in the workplace.

Sub-Course 2: Working conditions, motivation, stress and health

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and models for analysing and understanding psychosocial work environment conditions that have an impact on human health, functioning and motivation
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of stress processes, work motivation and stress prevention

Skills and competences

• Be able to use knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and models as above to analyse individuals' psychosocial work environment

Sub-Course 3: Working groups and other groups from a psychological perspective

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of psychological aspects of groups
• Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of and compare group psychological development theories.
• Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the specific impact of project-based work on groups.
• Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of a psychodynamic perspective on group processes.

Skills and abilities

• Be able to use knowledge of how groups can be developed through interventions.
• Be able to apply analysis of project groups.
• Be able to analyse group dynamics from a systems theory perspective
• Be able to analyse group dynamics from a psychodynamic perspective

Sub-Course 4: Leadership and organisational behaviour

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of psychological aspects of management and leadership
• Describe and compare different theories/models of management and leadership
• Be able to explain the role of communication in leadership

Skills and competences

• Describe, analyse and understand processes related to leadership in terms of communication, decision-making and work motivation
• Apply knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts, models and research on leadership

Sub-Course 5: Organisational development and change in a global world

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and models for analysing and understanding organisational development, change management and change processes
• Demonstrate an understanding of how intervention occurs at strategic and operational levels to bring about effective and humane change processes that motivate rather than de-motivate people
• Demonstrate understanding of methods and processes to bring about change in a global context

Skills and competences

• Be able to analyse and apply theoretical concepts and models in organisational development and change
• Be able to apply and use strategies for organisational development
• Be able to apply interventions for the development of individuals, groups and organisations

Lectures, seminars and exercises on campus, as well as computer-based tools such as the university's digital platform for self-study.

Language of instruction: Swedish. Literature in English is applicable.

Examination is through written exams, assignments, exercises and active participation in seminars. Attendance at seminars and exercises is mandatory.

All teaching can form the basis for examination. Absences are made up according to the course leader's instructions.

If a student who has failed the same examination component twice wishes to change examiners for the next examination session, such a request should be submitted in writing to the department and shall be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (HF Chapter 6, Section 22).

If the student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special pedagogical support, the examiner may, if it is compatible with the objectives of the course and provided that unreasonable resources are not required, decide to give the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination.

In the event that a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, students must be guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including regular examination opportunities) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to traineeships and work placements, but with a limit of only one additional examination.

The course is graded as Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The modules have partly different forms of examination. For modules with written exams, at least 60% correct answers are required for the grade G and 80% correct answers for the grade VG. For subcourses with written assignments, a passed assignment is required for the grade G and a well passed assignment for the grade VG.

For the final grade Pass, the grade Pass is required for all subcourses.

For the final grade Pass with Distinction, the grade Pass with Distinction is required for at least three of the modules and Pass for the rest.

The course leader is responsible for ensuring that students are given the opportunity to complete an anonymous written course evaluation at the end of the course. At the end of the course, the course leader writes a course report that includes a summary of the course evaluation. The course report is discussed in the relevant review group and communicated both to the students who carried out the course evaluation and to the students who will start the course. Course reports are made available to students.

If the course requires access to a computer, internet or any other digital resources, the student is responsible for ensuring that they have access to it.