Course Details

Psychology and sociology of work

EC0464

Course
Psychology and sociology of work
Code
EC0464
Academic Year
2026/2027
Curriculum Year
2025/2026
Degree Programme
ADMINISTRATION, ADVISORY & AUDIT, PEOPLE
Curriculum
A007 - PERSONE
Course coordinator
Credits
10
Lecture Hours
75
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
M-PSI/06 - Psychology of Work and Organisations, SPS/09 - Sociology of Economics and Labour
Course Type
Integrated learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
2
Teaching period
Secondo Semestre
Campus
NOVARA
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
The course examines the foundations of work psychology, covering the discipline's definition and scope, the historical evolution of the relationship between the individual and the organization, key theoretical approaches, job analysis and job descriptions, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and changes in the world of work alongside new forms of employment. It also addresses job satisfaction, engagement, and commitment, as well as performance evaluation and reward systems.
Students will develop a critical understanding of organizational dynamics and the managerial levers that foster innovation and inclusion within companies and institutions.
Reference Texts
The available material consists solely of the slides.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the main theories and fundamental concepts of organizational design, recognizing the interactions between structure, processes, and people.
Understand the mechanisms of delegation within an organization.
Understand the mechanisms of organizational time management.
Demonstrate professional and ethical awareness in managing organizational complexity.
Prerequisites
none
Teaching Methods
In contrast, the synchronous, in-person sessions focus on applying and critically discussing the material learned through case studies, simulations, and group work.
Students will engage in practical exercises, collaborative projects, and interactive discussions designed to develop analytical, communication, and teamwork skills. To this end, digital platforms will be used to foster interaction, collaborative learning, and the integration of individual and collective learning paths.
The overall teaching approach aims to combine flexibility with active participation, encouraging the ability to apply theory to real-world organizational situations, with a particular focus on sustainability, innovation, and the nature of work.
Additional Information
The teaching method will consist of lectures organized into 4-hour modules, with the option to attend remotely where possible and to contact the instructor via email.
Assessment Methods
Student assessment will be based on a combination of ongoing assessment and a final exam.
The ongoing assessment will consist of a group project in which students analyze a real or simulated organizational case, applying the theoretical models and concepts covered in the course. The project will be evaluated based on analytical rigor, the ability to apply theory, the effectiveness of teamwork, and the clarity of the presentation of results.
The final exam will include an open-ended question. The final grade will be derived from a combination of the results of both assessments, taking into account consistent participation, collaborative work, and the ability to link theory and practice.
18–20: barely sufficient knowledge and understanding of the topics, with potential generalizations and imperfections; sufficient analytical and synthesis skills and independent judgment; topics presented with frequent lack of coherence and using language that is not sufficiently appropriate or technical;
21-23: Routine knowledge and understanding of the subject matter; adequate analytical and synthesis skills, with sufficiently coherent logical argumentation and appropriate technical language.

24-26: Good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter; good analytical and synthesis skills, with rigorous argumentation, although technical language is not always used appropriately.

27-29: Thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter; strong analytical and synthesis skills. Good capacity for independent judgment. Topics are presented rigorously and using appropriate technical language.

30-30 with Honours (30L): Excellent and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Outstanding analytical, synthesis, and independent judgment skills. Arguments are expressed in an original manner and supported by appropriate technical language.
Detailed Syllabus
A dedicated section focuses on organizational change, delegation, and time management, exploring their underlying causes, processes, and forms of resistance, as well as the managerial strategies aimed at promoting adaptability and resilience.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire foundational knowledge of organizational theory and design, covering classical and contemporary models, coordination mechanisms, and principles of structure and change. They will also develop an awareness of how sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation are reshaping organizational forms and work systems.
Learning skills
Students will enhance their capacity for independent learning by integrating theoretical reflection with empirical observation and the use of tools for analyzing and visualizing organizational processes. This will foster lifelong learning and a high level of professional adaptability within constantly evolving organizational contexts.

Moduli

Course year 2
Code E0307
Course Work psychology
Lecturers Filippo Zizzadoro
SSD M-PSI/06
Campus NOVARA
Curriculum PERSONE
Credits 4
Course year 2
Code EC0164
Course Sociology of work
Lecturers Stefano PASSERINI
SSD SPS/09
Campus NOVARA
Curriculum PERSONE
Credits 6
Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31