Overview

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Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology is the application of the scientific study of human behavior and thinking to work organizations. I-O Psychology is both an academic discipline and a professional discipline; thus, in this class we focus on both research and the application of research findings to practical problems in the workplace. I-O Psychologists are concerned with the recruitment, selection, training, motivation, and job performance of individuals at work. They are also involved in issues such as teamwork, leadership, and job attitudes. This class provides a general overview of research and practical application in I-O Psychology. This course provides students with essential knowledge and skills for career success by offering practical insights into key workplace areas, such as performance management, job analysis, leadership, teamwork, motivation, and stress management. Students will be better equipped to understand or support human resource initiatives, improve organizational processes, and contribute to healthy, productive work environments by understanding how to evaluate and enhance employee performance, foster diversity and inclusion, and promote well-being. Additionally, mastering research methods and data analysis will empower students to make evidence-based decisions, a critical competency for the current workforce.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to I-O Psychology & Research Methods

This module provides an overview of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, including its history, key areas of focus, applications in the workplace, and the importance of national culture in modern organizations. It also introduces the research methods used in I-O psychology, emphasizing how data is collected, analyzed, and applied to solve organizational challenges.

Module 2: Job Performance and Job Analysis

This module focuses on defining job performance and exploring its role as a critical outcome in organizations. Students will learn how to conduct a job analysis to identify the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) required for effective performance and how these processes address the criterion problem.

Module 3: Individual Differences and Selection

This module examines the role of individual differences, such as personality, cognitive abilities, and skills, in workplace outcomes. Students will explore how these characteristics are assessed and used in employee selection processes, with an emphasis on fairness and predictive validity.

Module 4: Talent Management (Performance Management & Employee Training)

This module covers the strategies organizations use to manage and develop their workforce. Topics include performance appraisal systems, goal setting, and designing and evaluating employee training programs to ensure skill development and alignment with organizational objectives.

Module 5: Motivation, Attitudes, and Emotions at Work

This module explores the factors that drive employee motivation, the formation and impact of job attitudes such as satisfaction and commitment, and the role of emotions in the workplace. Students will learn how these elements influence individual and organizational performance.

Module 6: Stress and Worker Well-Being

This module examines the impact of work on employee health and well-being, focusing on stress, burnout, and work-life balance. Students will explore organizational strategies for promoting health and managing stress to foster a productive and supportive work environment.

Module 7: Fairness, Justice, and Diversity in the Workplace

This module explores the principles of fairness and justice as they relate to organizational decision-making and practices. Students will examine how diversity and inclusion efforts impact workplace outcomes and analyze the role of legal frameworks and ethical considerations in promoting equitable treatment. The module also emphasizes strategies for creating fair and inclusive organizational cultures.

Module 8: Leadership and Teams in Organizations

This module focuses on the dynamics of leadership and teamwork in organizations. Students will explore leadership theories, team processes, and strategies for building effective collaboration, fostering innovation, and achieving organizational goals.

Summative Course Assessment

This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.