Course Description:

This course looks at the nature of work in modern society and how the principles and practices of psychology are applied to work organizations. The course will examine how research and theory in industrial psychology have been used to inform a range of management and human resources practices. This will include recruiting and selection, performance management, training, leadership and motivation, and safety and ergonomics, and planned organizational change.

Where possible, we will examine some issues and controversies in the contemporary workplace, as well as review some of the laws and regulations affecting the employment experience. We will consider various career options related to the field of industrial psychology. Finally, we will look at the practical implications of industrial psychology for managing and improving organizational and individual performance.

Prerequisite: PSY11: General Psychology.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this class, students should be able to:

1. Identify the major concepts and theories of industrial and organizational psychology as well as accurately explain the fundamental principles and applications of each concept.
2. Identify and describe some important features and issues found in the contemporary workplace.
3. Describe how behavioral and social science can be linked to the management and operations of work organizations.
4. Apply I/O concepts to existing organizations and propose solutions to specific problems.