The influence of organizational environment on individuals and groups, 15 Credits

Contents

The aims of the course are to give profound and advanced knowledge on how individuals and groups interact and how groups function in organisations. A variety of theoretical points of views are used to reflect different aspects of these phenomena. A number of issues concerning social- and organisational psychology are addressed, for example: the relation between context and behaviour, attitudes, conformity, group conflicts, group roles, stereotyping and leadership. In order to give a useful platform for further studies and for instant use in organisations, theoretical knowledge and practical training are both important parts of the course. Part 1: Theories and research on individuals, groups, and organisations (7.5 hp) The first part of the course starts with theories and research that is of special interest for understanding individual and group interaction and leadership in different settings. In addition, the student trains the ability to critically evaluate research and is expected to produce a research plan that includes important research questions in the area. Part 2: Theory testing and applications (7.5 hp) The second part of the course includes learning methods on how to investigate and analyze group interactions and on how to develop functioning teams. This part of the course further emphasizes critical research evaluations and includes a scientific study that is reported both orally and in writing

Expected learning outcomes

Part 1: Theories and research on individuals, groups, and organisations (7.5 hp) After the course part the student will: • have a profound knowledge about the relation between context and behaviour, attitudes, conformity, group conflicts, group roles, stereotyping and leadership • be able to critically evaluate research • be able to plan a research study to answer research questions on group and organisational psychology. Part 2: Theory testing and applications (7.5 hp) After the course part the student will: • be able to distinguish leadership styles and group performances • have knowledge about methods to analyse and diagnose group behaviour • be able to create effective teams based on scientific knowledge • be able to plan and conduct a scientific study that shows two sides of a phenomena

Required Knowledge

Univ: 90 credits (hp) in a behavioral science subject or related subject. English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training –minimum score 5.0 with no individual score below 4.5 (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible or TOEFL – minimum score 500 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, Alternatively 173 on computer based test with iBT61 is also required as well as basic entrance requirements for higher studies in Swedish language proficiency if the course is taught in Swedish.

Form of instruction

The teaching forms focus on seminars, group exercises and include summarizing lectures and supervision when conducting a research project.

Examination modes

The examination includes active participation in group exercises, and oral and written reports. The grading scale includes failed, passed, and passed with distinction. A student who has failed twice on an examination can request from the Board of Under-graduate Studies in Psychology that another teacher is appointed to grade the project work, unless special circumstances exist (HF 6 kap. 22 §). The student has the right to be examined by the same syllabus within two years of the first course registration. The student is entitled 5 examinations within two years after the first registration occasion. To pass the entire course all tests and compulsory parts must have been passed. The grade is an integrated judgement of the results from all examination parts, and is given when all parts have been passed.

Other regulations

Crediting will be tested on an individual basis. The application should be sent by the student to the university registry (Registrator, Umeå universitet, 901 87 Umeå) that will provide a registration number. The application will thereafter be sent to the responsible department. The responsible Study Director will decide on credit transfer or a course/course part. Confirmed copies of course certificate or corresponding certificate should be included, in which information about education establishment, date, subject area, level and number of credits is provided. In addition, the application should include the course syllabus and literature list for the course/course part, and, when appropriate, a copy of the project report.