Module Title and Code
PS3406 Organisational Psychology
Lecturer(s)
Dr. Nick McDonald
Contact Hours
One semester: 11 lectures; 50 project hours; 54 hours independent study
ECTS Value
5 ECTS (=125 student hours)
Rationale and Aims
To provide an introduction to the core theoretical areas in the psychology of work and
organisations, building on knowledge of psychology already acquired in other courses. To
give an applied approach to the theoretical material presented in the lecture course through
the development of an extended case study of an organisation.
For whom is the module intended?
Psychology Junior and Senior Sophister SH/TSM students and Higher Diploma in Psychology
Years 1 & 2 students.
How does it fit in to the academic programme?
This module provides advanced coverage of material in some of the essential aspects of the
discipline of psychology and is required to be covered by the professional accreditation
body, Psychological Society of Ireland.
Is it mandatory or optional?
Optional
Are there prerequisites?
Cognate foundation modules.
From a teaching point of view, what are the intentions of the lecturer?
To provide an in-depth understanding and a practical appreciation of the area of work and
organisational psychology.
Course Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Basic elements of organization – people, process, co-ordination, outcomes
Team composition and organizational structure
Information, technology and tools
The functional logic of the process and co-ordination
Managing Competence
Procedures and rules
Leadership and mutual adjustment
The person vis a vis the organization
The organization – culture and power
Managing the process – risk and control
Prospects for Change
Indicative Resources
John Martin and Martin Fellenz (2010): Organisational Behaviour and Management (4th
edition) (South-Western Cengage Learning)
Arnold J. and Randall, R. (2010): Work Psychology (5th. Edition) (Prentice Hall)
Woods, S. and West M. (2010): The Psychology of Work and Organisations (South-Western
Cengage Learning)
Chmiel, N (2008): An Introduction to Work and Organisational Psychology (2nd. edition)
(Blackwell)
As this is an advanced sophister research-led taught module, state-of-the-art and up-to-date
journal articles from the relevant research literature will be made available throughout the
module.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
 discuss the diverse theoretical background of the psychology of work and organisations
[PO1,2];
 appreciate work and organisational psychology as part of an interdisciplinary study [PO
1,8];
 discuss some key research areas in work and organisational psychology and the state of
current research in addressing these issues [PO2,3];
 apply the concepts and ideas addressed in the course to an actual organisation, chosen
by the student [PO3,5,8];
 develop their skills in conducting small scale organisational research in the real world
[PO3,4,5];
 identify some of the roles and functions of professional work and organisational
psychologists [PO7,8].
Methods of Teaching and Student Learning
The format of lectures is conventional but students are encouraged to ask questions and to
engage the lecturer in discussion about the development of their dossier. Both the reduced
numbers in these optional modules and the fact that the module is based in the lecturer’s
own area of research expertise and interest facilitates increased class discussion and
debate.
Students prepare a dossier on an organisation to which they have some access. This dossier
contains a description of the organisation in relation to the concepts and issues outlined in
the lecture course. There is no restriction on the type of organisation which may be studied
– diversity is encouraged. However students need to have ongoing or recurrent access to
the organisation, so that they can gather the material for their dossier as the course
progresses.
Inclusive curriculum: Each lecture and any supporting and accompanying documentation is
posted on our school website to facilitate independent study and self-paced learning.
Methods of Assessment
This module is assessed by continuous assessment of one organisational dossier (32%) and
one written examination (68%) in the annual session. The exam is 2 hours 30 minutes in
duration and students are required to answer two questions discursively.
It is expected that:
(i) a range of areas should be covered in addressing each question. A poor mark will be
awarded to essays/answers that do not integrate a majority of the relevant topics
covered in the lectures; and
(ii) responses should be critical, original and synthetic and should be based on reading
beyond the lecture notes.
Students are given very detailed guidelines in their handbook as to grading criteria for
degree classes.
Evaluation
All modules are evaluated by students by means of CAPSL survey requested by the School
and all feedback is noted and incorporated in module design where appropriate for delivery
of the module in subsequent years.
Feedback is also delivered via student representatives at the School’s once a term staffstudent meetings, at School Committee meetings and at the Committee for Undergraduate
Teaching & Learning meetings.