Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Organizational Psychology
Course Code
VPUPK_363
Branch of Science
Psychology; Social Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Gitāna Dāvidsone
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, Riga, vppk@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the course is to provide students with an academic understanding of organizational psychology as a subfield of psychology, including its core concepts, theoretical approaches, and research methods, as well as to develop the ability to analytically and critically evaluate psychological processes in the work environment at the individual, group, and organizational levels, in accordance with principles of professional ethics and the legal regulation of the work environment, thereby preparing students for further studies and research in psychology.
Preliminary Knowledge
General psychology. Social psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.After completing the course, the student: 1. defines and characterizes organizational psychology as a subfield of psychology, its subject matter, and contemporary issues; 2. explains the core concepts and main theoretical approaches of organizational psychology; 3. describes the research methods used in organizational psychology, as well as their possibilities and limitations; 4. explains the importance and application of the principles of professional ethics and the legal regulation of the work environment in the study of psychological processes in the work environment.
Skills
1.The students: 1. analyse psychological processes in the work environment (motivation, job satisfaction, work engagement, stress, well-being) at the individual, group, and organisational levels, drawing on relevant organisational psychology theories; 2. critically compare and evaluate multiple organisational psychology theories and approaches, justifying their applicability to specific situations; 3. apply theoretical knowledge by conducting academically grounded analyses of psychological processes in the work environment; 4. collaborate in small groups to analyse psychological processes in the work environment; 5. formulate conclusions in a reasoned manner and present analysis results orally.
Competences
1.The students: 1.critically integrate theoretical knowledge, research methods, and ethical considerations in the academic analysis of psychological processes in the work environment; 2. justify their conclusions by using scientific literature and academic argumentation.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Independent individual and group work |
-
|
-
|
|
Students independently study the sources and materials listed in the course literature and provided in the e-learning environment in preparation for lectures, seminars, and group work assignments (in the part-time study programme). Depending on the topic of the class and the nature of the assignment, independent study may include the completion of individual tasks (e.g., preparation of an essay) or participation in group work tasks, including the preparation of presentations. Students’ individual contributions to group work assignments are taken into account when determining the overall group presentation grade in seminar sessions. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Small-group presentation in one of the seminars |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Small-group tasks and presentations in seminars constitute a unified form of assessment aimed at developing students’ ability to collaborate in a team, to academically analyse, and to present topics in work and organisational psychology in a reasoned manner. Students form small groups at the beginning of the course and draw lots to determine the seminar session for which they will prepare a small-group task and presentation. In small-group presentations, both the content of the presentation (60% of the overall group assessment) and presentation skills (40% of the overall group assessment) are evaluated. Students working within the same group receive the same assessment grade, unless the group decides otherwise. The group may decide to reduce the assessment grade of one or more of its members for the case analysis and presentation (by up to 20% of the overall group assessment) if the respective member has made an insufficient contribution or no contribution to the group work. |
||
|
2.
Essay – analysis of one’s own study/work motivation |
15.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Students prepare a written analysis–reflection, of their choice, on their individual study and/or work motivation, illustrating their personal motivators as well as factors that enhance or hinder their motivation through examples. The length of the essay is 800–1000 words. |
||
|
3.
Self-assessment tests on the topics covered in the lectures |
-
|
-
|
|
Self-administered self-assessment tests assigned during or after lectures allow students to assess how well they have acquired the concepts and theories explained in the classes. |
||
|
4.
Case analysis and presentation in small groups |
65.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
In the examination, a randomly selected case analysis and presentation are prepared in small groups (4–5 students per group). Students draw a case description prepared by the instructor and, within 30 minutes, prepare its analysis and presentation. During the group presentations, members of other groups ask additional questions. The group-based case analysis and presentation as a form of examination has been selected to assess students’ ability to academically analyse psychological processes in the work environment, integrate theoretical knowledge, collaborate in teams, and argumentatively defend their conclusions, while observing the principles of professional ethics of psychologists and the legal regulations of the work environment. The assessment consists of the following components: presentation content (50% of the total grade), presentation delivery (20%), the quality of questions posed to members of other groups (15%), and the quality of responses to questions from other groups (15%). Students working within the same group receive the same assessment grade, unless the group decides otherwise. The group may decide to reduce the assessment grade of one or more of its members for the case analysis and presentation (by up to 20% of the total grade of the group) if the respective member has made an insufficient contribution or no contribution to the group work. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Organizational psychology as a branch of psychology, its history, and current developments.
Description
Organizational psychology as a branch of psychology, its historical development, and its links with other branches of psychology and the social sciences. Contemporary issues in organizational psychology. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research methods in organisational psychology.
Description
Research methods in organizational psychology, their advantages and limitations. Ethical considerations in the study of individuals and organizations in the work environment. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Work motivation, job satisfaction, and employee engagement.
Description
Individual behaviour in the workplace. The concept of work motivation and the main theories. Job satisfaction, employee loyalty, and engagement, as well as factors that enhance or hinder them. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Mental health, psychological safety, and well-being in the workplace.
Description
Mental health, psychological safety, and well-being in the workplace. Work-related stress, its causes and contributing factors in the work environment. Burnout and its signs. Burnout prevention in organizations. |
-
Consultation
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Work motivation, job satisfaction, and employee engagement.
Description
Individual behaviour in the workplace. The concept of work motivation and the main theories. Job satisfaction, employee loyalty, and engagement, as well as factors that enhance or hinder them. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar session: “Analysis of Factors Shaping Attitudes and Behaviour in the Workplace”
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Groups and teams in the work environment.
Description
Group and team development and the formation of effective teams. Types of teams and team processes in organizations. Diversity management and inclusion in organizations. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cooperation and conflict management in organizations.
Description
Prerequisites for cooperation in organizations. Causes, types, and dynamics of workplace conflict. Conflict management strategies in organizations. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Power, influence, and leadership in organizations.
Description
Power and influence in organizations and their sources. Management and leadership in organizations. Types of leadership styles and their impact on work productivity and employee engagement. Bossing and mobbing in the workplace, their characteristics, and response strategies in organizations. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Organizational culture and psychological climate in the workplace.
Description
The concept of organizational culture. Types and characteristics of organizational culture. The role of organizational culture in organizational development. Psychological climate and its role in the workplace. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar "Understanding leadership styles and behaviours".
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The employee in the organization: psychological perspectives on job design, personnel selection, and onboarding.
Description
Psychological aspects of employee management in organizations. The employee life cycle in organizations. Personnel selection and onboarding from a psychological perspective. Job design and the competency-based approach in organizations. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological aspects of performance management and development.
Description
Psychological aspects of performance management and development in organizations. Goal setting and the definition of performance criteria. The role of feedback in performance development. Learning and employee development in organizations. Talent management from an organizational psychology perspective. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: “Personnel Selection and Assessment Methods”.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar “Psychological Aspects of Performance Management and Development”.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Organizational development and change management.
Description
Organizational development and change management. Organizational development methods. Employee attitudes toward change, engagement, and resistance in the change process. |
-
Consultation
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research methods in organisational psychology.
Description
Research methods in organizational psychology, their advantages and limitations. Ethical considerations in the study of individuals and organizations in the work environment. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: “Research Methods: Opportunities, Limitations, and Ethical Considerations in Organisational Research”
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Organizational psychology as a branch of psychology, its history, and current developments.
Description
Organizational psychology as a branch of psychology, its historical development, and its links with other branches of psychology and the social sciences. Contemporary issues in organizational psychology. |
|
Research methods in organisational psychology.
Description
Research methods in organizational psychology, their advantages and limitations. Ethical considerations in the study of individuals and organizations in the work environment. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Work motivation, job satisfaction, and employee engagement.
Description
Individual behaviour in the workplace. The concept of work motivation and the main theories. Job satisfaction, employee loyalty, and engagement, as well as factors that enhance or hinder them. |
|
Mental health, psychological safety, and well-being in the workplace.
Description
Mental health, psychological safety, and well-being in the workplace. Work-related stress, its causes and contributing factors in the work environment. Burnout and its signs. Burnout prevention in organizations. |
-
Consultation
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Work motivation, job satisfaction, and employee engagement.
Description
Individual behaviour in the workplace. The concept of work motivation and the main theories. Job satisfaction, employee loyalty, and engagement, as well as factors that enhance or hinder them. |
|
Mental health, psychological safety, and well-being in the workplace.
Description
Mental health, psychological safety, and well-being in the workplace. Work-related stress, its causes and contributing factors in the work environment. Burnout and its signs. Burnout prevention in organizations. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar session: “Analysis of Factors Shaping Attitudes and Behaviour in the Workplace”
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cooperation and conflict management in organizations.
Description
Prerequisites for cooperation in organizations. Causes, types, and dynamics of workplace conflict. Conflict management strategies in organizations. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Power, influence, and leadership in organizations.
Description
Power and influence in organizations and their sources. Management and leadership in organizations. Types of leadership styles and their impact on work productivity and employee engagement. Bossing and mobbing in the workplace, their characteristics, and response strategies in organizations. |
|
Organizational culture and psychological climate in the workplace.
Description
The concept of organizational culture. Types and characteristics of organizational culture. The role of organizational culture in organizational development. Psychological climate and its role in the workplace. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The employee in the organization: psychological perspectives on job design, personnel selection, and onboarding.
Description
Psychological aspects of employee management in organizations. The employee life cycle in organizations. Personnel selection and onboarding from a psychological perspective. Job design and the competency-based approach in organizations. |
|
Psychological aspects of performance management and development.
Description
Psychological aspects of performance management and development in organizations. Goal setting and the definition of performance criteria. The role of feedback in performance development. Learning and employee development in organizations. Talent management from an organizational psychology perspective. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The employee in the organization: psychological perspectives on job design, personnel selection, and onboarding.
Description
Psychological aspects of employee management in organizations. The employee life cycle in organizations. Personnel selection and onboarding from a psychological perspective. Job design and the competency-based approach in organizations. |
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological aspects of performance management and development.
Description
Psychological aspects of performance management and development in organizations. Goal setting and the definition of performance criteria. The role of feedback in performance development. Learning and employee development in organizations. Talent management from an organizational psychology perspective. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Organizational development and change management.
Description
Organizational development and change management. Organizational development methods. Employee attitudes toward change, engagement, and resistance in the change process. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: “Research Methods: Opportunities, Limitations, and Ethical Considerations in Organisational Research”
|
-
Consultation
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research methods in organisational psychology.
Description
Research methods in organizational psychology, their advantages and limitations. Ethical considerations in the study of individuals and organizations in the work environment. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
18 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Ābeltiņa, M. (2023). Profesionālā izdegšana, Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.
2.
Dāvidsone, G. (2008). Organizāciju efektivitātes modelis. Rīga: ODA
3.
Dāvidsone, G. (Red.) (2008). Līderības fenomens Latvijā. Rīga: ODA.
4.
Kamerāde, D. (2015). Cilvēks organizācijā. Organizāciju psiholoģija. No: Mārtinsone, K., Miltuze, A. (red.), Psiholoģija. 3. grāmata (9.-31.lpp). Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.
5.
Reņģe, V. (2010). Mūsdienu organizāciju psiholoģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.
6.
Yales, J., Zibarras, L., & Mahmood, L. (Eds.). (2023). Organisational Psychology. An Essential Guide. Routledge.
7.
Arnold, J., Coyne, I., Randall, R., Pattterson, F. (2020.) Work Psychology: Understanding Human Behaviour In The Workplace. (7thedition). Pearson.
Additional Reading
1.
Kalniņa - Sturīte, A., Gavare, J. (2011). Divpadsmit iedvesmas stāsti. Rīga: k.Port.
2.
Reņģe, V. (2007). Mūsdienu organizāciju psiholoģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.
3.
Schein, E. H. (2017). Organizational Culture and Leadership. 5th Edition. Hoboken: Wiley.
Other Information Sources
1.
Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology
2.
European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology
3.
European Work & Organizational Psychologist
4.
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
5.
International Journal of Industrial Organization
6.
International Review of Industrial & Organizational Psychology