Work Psychology

In line with the general purposes of the Degree Course in Labour and Management (LAM), this course aims to provide the students with theoretical and methodological tools to understand and analyze the subjective dimensions involved in work activities. Specifically, the first objective is to illustrate the main psychological theories that explain how individual differences (e.g. abilities, mindset and beliefs, values, needs, traits of personality) can affect work experiences. The second objective is to improve knowledge about the antecedents and consequences of work motivation process and stress process, by emphasizing the interactive effects of personal, job and organizational characteristics. The emergent psychosocial risks and the impacts of new forms of organization on employee wellbeing will be also explored. The third objective is to enhance a critical understanding of the approaches at the basis of intervention plans designed to improve employee wellbeing and to prevent stress at workplaces.

At the end of this course, the students will be able to:
-Illustrate the main individual differences that can affect work experiences.
-Explain why and how specific organizational, social and personal factors can affect employees' health and wellbeing as well as their performance.
-Explain how employees' job satisfaction, work engagement, burnout, citizenship behaviors or counterproductive behaviors can be generated.
-Apply the psychological theories to evaluate the presence of psychosocial risks and to identify personal and organizational resources that can help to enhance employee wellbeing and individual-level performance.
-Critically evaluate the main interventions able to improve employees' well-being and performance.
-Design a strategy to evaluate working conditions and improve employee well-being.