Upon completion of this course:

1. You will know what Work & Organizational Psychology involves and how this scientific-professional field has  developed historically.
2. You can use insights into relevant theories of work and health psychology as a basis for explaining how work behaviour and health are related to each other, what work stress entails, and why chronic stress is unhealthy.
3. You can use insights into relevant motivational theories as a basis for explaining what work motivation entails,  and what motivational principles can be applied to optimise the behavior of working people.
4. You can use insights from relevant leadership and organisational theories to explain how work behaviour is influenced by the structure and culture of an organisation, as well as group processes and management style.
5. You will have knowledge and understanding of the methods and instruments available within personnel psychology, which can be applied to achieve an optimal fit between the individual and the job.
6. You have knowledge of social-psychological influence techniques, such as those employed in advertising and information campaigns.
7. You can apply specific diagnostic instruments in the field of work and health and produce a professional-quality report on your findings.
8. You have insight at a basic level into a number of activities and dilemmas encountered by Work & Organizational psychologists.

How do we prevent work stress and burnout? What motivates people at work? What is the right balance between leadership and employee autonomy? These questions (and many others) will be addressed in the Behaviour & Environment 2 course. The focus of this course is the work behaviour and perception of work that people have within organisations.
Employee behaviour is of great importance to an organisation’s success. However, employee behaviour does not occur in isolated cases; it is influenced by (and, in turn, it has an influence on) the direct psychosocial and physical work environment and the wider organisational setting. Through the series of lectures offered in this course, you will learn about important concepts, theories, methods and research findings from the field of Work & Organisational psychology (W&O psychology). Therefore, the following topics will be addressed:

1. Work and work behaviour
2. Work, stress and health
3. Work motivation
4. Job analysis, selection and assessment
5. Organisations, groups and leadership
6. Behaviour change, prevention and intervention

During a series of interactive practical seminars, which will be given by experts from professional fields, you will learn how to apply this knowledge in order to achieve a positive influence on the behaviour and work environment of employees within organisations. In addition to the lectures and practical seminars, you will start creating a work and health analysis. This will subsequently enable you to learn how to use several important diagnostic instruments within W&O psychology, how to assess and evaluate occupational risks and how to report on the subsequent findings in a professional manner.

Toetsinformatie

• Multiple Choice exam (80%) (60 questions with three options)
• Practicum assignment (20%)
• To pass the course, you have to pass both examinations.