PSYCH579-22B (HAM)

Applying Psychology to Work

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Psychology

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Anna Sutton

Anna Sutton
9211
K.1.24
See Moodle
anna.sutton@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

Placement/WIL Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

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: alistair.lamb@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
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    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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Paper Description

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This paper aims to familiarise you with current issues and methods in psychology as applied to the workplace. There are three main themes:

  1. Well-being at work where we explore the importance of work to our well-being, both how it can enhance our well-being as well as ways that work can be detrimental. We will identify ways to improve well-being at work, from basic health and safety right through to high engagement, and consider current developments in areas such as mindfulness.
  2. Humans at work. In this theme, we start by noticing how much of the study of work tends to ignore the human element and treat people as machines. We will learn about the role of emotion in our work, study both good and bad relationships at work (from friendships to bullying) and consider how much we can be ourselves at work.
  3. Developing practical skills. We will learn about and practice important consultancy skills in applying psychology to solve real work issues, such as the best ways to reward and motivate people at work, how to help them develop through coaching and mentoring and how to communicate psychology effectively to business people.

The emphasis throughout is on learning how to practically apply psychological research and theory to improve our work. Assessments are designed to evaluate your knowledge and understanding of the work psychology literature, your ability to engage with others to effectively discuss and apply work psychology, and to develop research-based solutions to work problems.

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Paper Structure

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This paper is taught through weekly interactive lecture sessions, group discussions and case studies and supported by guided independent reading. We have in-person meetings each week, though all the material is also available online for those not able to make it to campus.

The assessment for this course includes assessed engagement with reading, online test, written work, and a group presentation.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:

  • identify, formulate and solve work problems using psychology
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • demonstrate an understanding of theoretical perspectives on the psychology of health and well-being at work
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  • critically review psychological literature in order to make practical recommendations for workplace interventions
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • work effectively with others to develop psychologically-informed solutions for the workplace
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  • communicate psychological information effectively to a range of audiences
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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All assessments are online-only or have an online option.
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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Test
17 Aug 2022
11:30 PM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Applied project
17 Oct 2022
No set time
40
  • Other: Presentation in class (may be online)
3. Weekly reading assignments
30
  • Other: Online: Perusall
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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There is no required textbook for this paper, instead the required reading will be provided each week on the reading list and Perusall.
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Online Support

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Powerpoint slides will be made available on Moodle and a full Reading List is available online for this paper. All assessments are online-only or have an online option.

Grades will also be posted to Moodle as soon as they are available.

PsychCafé: The Moodle space for all students and staff of the School of Psychology. Use it to find out what is happening and what the School may provide for you.


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Workload

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As a 500 level, 15-point paper, you can expect to spend approximately eight hours per week (including study periods) outside of lectures/seminars in completing assigned work in order to achieve a passing grade. This figure is only an approximation, as students vary in both the amount of effort required and the level of grades they wish to achieve.
Classes are very active, so keeping up with the required reading is essential.
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Linkages to Other Papers

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Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted papers: PSYC506, PSYC579

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