PSY 306: Industrial / Organizational (I/O) Psychology

Course Description

This course will focus on research and major theories within the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, as well as their practical applications. Students will explore the history and current research methods being used within the field of industrial and organizational psychology, including: employee recruitment and selection, job analysis, performance appraisal and management, employee training and development, work motivation, perceptions of fairness, reactions to stress, diversity, teamwork, and leadership. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • PSY 101: Psychology
  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of Industrial/Organizational Psychology as a relevant field within current psychology. This will include the knowledge of the history of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, its current research methods, and theoretical perspectives.
  2. Evaluate the domains that comprise Industrial/Organizational Psychology, which include:
    1. Ethical, legal, and professional contexts.
    2. Measurement of individual differences.
    3. Criterion theory and development.
    4. Job and task analysis.
    5. Employee selection.
    6. Performance appraisal.
    7. Training and development.
    8. Work motivation.
    9. Attitude theories.
  3. Apply conceptual tools of Industrial/Organizational Psychology to analyze and recommend changes in organizational structure, operations, and employee performance.
  4. Be knowledgeable in the practice of Industrial/Organizational Psychology by applying the concepts in the field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology to the functioning of organizations.
  5. Analyze the organizational recruitment, selection, and retention procedures confronting organizations struggling with market demands, competition, and the changing global environment.
  6. Evaluate approaches for changing organizational structure and design to improve employee performance, optimize motivational employee systems and processes, and enhance work-life balance.

General Education Outcomes (GEOs)

Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Category Search, or by subject area at GEO Discipline Search.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments

Weight

Discussions (Weeks 1-8)

30%

Quizzes (Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 7)

10%

Case Study 1 (Week 3)

10%

Midterm Exam (Week 4)

15%

Case Study 2 (Week 6)

20%

Final Exam (Week 8)

15%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore

  • Riggio, R.E. (2018). Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology. 7th ed. Boston: Pearson Education. ISBN 10: 1-138-65532-5 or ISBN 13: 978-1-138-65532-4

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1,2,3

Topics: Introduction, History, and Research Methods

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 1
    • Chapter 2


  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Quiz

2

2,3,4

Topics: Job Analysis and Employee Selection

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 3
    • Chapter 4
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Quiz

3

2-5

Topics: Employee Screening and Evaluating Employee Performance

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 5
    • Chapter 6
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Quiz
  • Submit Case Study 1

4

2-6

Topics: Employee Training, Development, and Motivation

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 7
    • Chapter 8
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Midterm Exam

Midterm Exam
Chapters 1-8
SLOs 1-6

5

2-6

Topics: Positive Employee Attitudes, Worker Stress, and Negative Employee Attitudes

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 9
    • Chapter 10
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Quiz

6

2,3,4

Topics: Communication in the Workplace and Group Processes in Work Organizations

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 11
    • Chapter 12
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Quiz
  • Submit Case Study 2

7

2-6

Topics: Leadership, Influence, Power & Politics Organizational

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 13
    • Chapter 14
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Quiz

8

2-5

Topics: Structure, Culture, and Development

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 15
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Final Exam

Final Exam
Chapters 9-15
SLOs 2-5

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.