Found­a­tions of Ma­na­geri­al Psy­cho­logy

Course content

This course introduces students to psychological theories pertaining to human behavior in workplaces. Topics covered include psychoanalysis, personality testing, motivation, reinforcement, group dynamics, work-related mental disorders, stress and performance counselling.

While its origins can be traced to Taylor's principles of scientific management, managerial psychology started in earnest in the 1930s. Increasingly applied in workplaces and gaining wide acceptance today, its practical application has had mixed results. This state of affairs is mostly the result of confusion about the meaning and consequences of fundamental psychological and ethical concepts, which the course will clarify. The course's overall guiding principle is the view that the purpose of psychology is to enable working people to gain insight into and mastery of themselves and not of others.

Contribution to the Nordic nine

Principle

Contribution

You have deep business knowledge placed in a broad context

You are analytical with data and curious about ambiguity

Psychological concepts are often ambiguous; the course assists in clarifying such ambiguity by following an analytical approach

You recognize humanity's challenges and have the entrepreneurial knowledge to help resolve them

Self-mastery is human beings' greatest challenge. The course outlines a language that makes such mastery possible

You are competitive in business and compassionate in society

Compassion requires understanding of self and others; the course contributes to this objective by clarifying psychological concepts required in such an endeavour

You understand ethical dilemmas and have the leadership values ​​to overcome them

The course outlines ethical challenges associated with the practice of psychology in the workplace

You are critical when thinking and constructive when collaborating

The course proposes a critical evaluation of major psychological theories as they have been applied in the workplace; it outlines ways to obtain cooperation and collaboration from workplace actors

You produce prosperity and protect the prosperity of next generations

You grow by relearning and by teaching others to do the same

The course proposes a critical evaluation of such constructs as personality or mental disorders; it alerts students to the existence of alternative ways of speaking about themselves or to others, thereby pointing the way to personal growth

You create value from global connections for local communities