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2026 Spring

Industrial and Organizational Psychology - PSY323 Spring 2026


Course
Steve Borg
For information about registration please contact our admissions.

Lessons

Here is the course outline:

1. Introduction to I/O Psychology: Scope and History

Feb 5

Overview of the origins, scope, and development of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, highlighting its role in understanding workplace behavior. Assessments: None assigned.

2. Research Methods in I/O Psychology: Surveys, Experiments, Ethical Considerations

Feb 12

Examination of research methods and ethics in studying behavior at work. Assessments: Prepare for upcoming reflection assignment next week.

3. Personnel Selection and Job Analysis

Feb 19

Study of reliable and valid selection procedures supported by job analysis and competency modeling to ensure fair and effective hiring decisions. In-Class Debate: “People learn more from real-life experience than from experiments.” Connection: Links research-based hiring tools with the value of real-world learning in organizational decision-making. Assessment Assigned: Individual Reflection: Fair and Effective Hiring Assessment Due: Session 4 (February 26) Debate Reflection: Due within 48 hours (by February 21)

4. Job Attitudes and Assessing Work Performance - Guest Speaker

Jan 26

Job Attitudes: Satisfaction, Commitment, Engagement Assessing Work Performance: Measurement, Feedback, and Evaluation Description: Exploration of how employee attitudes influence performance and how organizations evaluate effectiveness. Assessment Due: Individual Reflection No Debate This Week.

5. Work Motivation, Performance Management and Rewards System

Mar 5

Work Motivation: Theories and Applications Performance Management and Appraisal (Feedback on Reflection) Reward Systems and Compensation: Incentives for Performance Description: Analysis of motivation theories and performance management systems emphasizing reward structures. In-Class Debate: “Money is the main reason people work hard.” Connection: Explores intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation and the role of pay and incentives in job performance. Assessment Assigned: Group Presentation Project: Designing a Team-Based Intervention Debate Reflection: Due within 48 hours (by March 7).

6. Employee Training and Leadership theories

Mar 12

Employee Training and Development: Designing Effective Programs Leadership Theories and Styles (Group Project Assigned) Description: Examination of training design and leadership models supporting learning and effectiveness at work. Ongoing: Students begin Group Presentation Project. No Debate This Week

7. Organizational Culture and Climate: Influences on Behavior

Feb 19

Description: Exploration of shared values, norms, and their impact on employee motivation and cohesion. In-Class Debate: “Every workplace should have one clear set of rules for everyone.” Connection: Encourages discussion on cultural uniformity versus diversity and flexibility in organizations. Debate Reflection: Due within 48 hours (by March 21).

8. Mid-term Exam

Mar 26

Description: Covers Sessions 1–7 (Theoretical foundations, selection, motivation, and culture). No Assignments or Debates

9. Mid-Term break

Apr 2

10. Group Dynamics and Organizational Change

Apr 9

Group Dynamics, Teams, and Communication in Organizations Organizational Change and Development: Managing Transitions and Resistance Description: Study of teamwork, communication, and effective management of organizational transitions. In-Class Debate: “Conflict in teams is always a bad thing.” Connection: Explores functional vs. dysfunctional conflict and its role in team innovation and change. Assessment Assigned: Case Study Analysis: Leadership in Action Debate Reflection: Due within 48 hours (by April 11).

11. Decision Making and Organizational Structures

Apr 16

Decision Making in Organizations: Individual and Group Processes Organizational Structure and Design: Hierarchies, Networks, Virtual Teams Description: Analysis of how decisions are made and how structure influences efficiency and collaboration. Assessment Due: Group Presentation Project (presented in class) Case Study Analysis: Ongoing work. No Debate This Week.

12. Occupational health and Diversity at the workplace

Apr 23

Occupational Health and Well-Being: Stress, Burnout, Work-Life Balance Diversity and Inclusion: Cultural Influences in Workplaces Description: Study of psychological well-being and inclusion at work; strategies to prevent burnout and promote health. In-Class Debate: “Working from home makes people less stressed and happier.” Connection: Examines autonomy, work-life balance, and isolation effects of remote work. Assessments: Case Study Analysis Due Creative Project: Design for Well-Being presented in class Debate Reflection: Due within 48 hours (by April 25).

13. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in I/O Context

Apr 30

Description: Exploration of ethical leadership and social responsibility as part of organizational sustainability. No Assignments or Debates.

14. Review of Cultural and Global Perspectives in I/O Psychology

May 7

Description: Examination of global and cross-cultural workplace psychology practices. In-Class Debate: “Companies should care more about people than about profit.” Connection: Links to global ethics, human-centered leadership, and social impact. Debate Reflection: Due within 48 hours (by May 9).

15. Final Exam

May 14

Description: Comprehensive assessment of major theories, models, and applications in Work Psychology. Assessments: Final Exam (in class).

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