Industrial and Organizational Psychology - PSY323 Spring 2026
Course
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
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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). |