PSYC 655: Organizational Psychology II
Prerequisite: PSYC 650 or permission of instructor; graduate enrollment at Radford University
Credit Hours: (3)
A continuation in the study of behavior in organization. Focuses on current organizational psychology issues in such areas as leadership, power, organizational effectiveness and organizational theory. Provides the student with additional ways of looking at and thinking about behavior in organizations. Presents a framework for integrating research in organizational psychology with popular organizational effectiveness trends.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course is designed for graduate students nearing the completion of their graduate degree and about to enter the workforce. Because the topics covered include many areas of organizational psychology theory and application, this course may be applicable to a wide range of traditional and non-traditional students. Topics may change and/or be replaced due to trends in industrial and organizational psychology. Typical topics for this course may include:
1. Trait theory
2. Behavior theory
3. Fiedler’s contingency theory
4. Attribution theory
5. Implicit Leadership Theory
6. Leader-Member Exchange Theory
7. Path-Goal Theory
8. Vroom-Yetton Decision-Making Theory
9. Substitutes for Leadership and Organizational Change
10. Transformational Theory
11. Executive leadership and Organizational Change
12. Power and Politics in Industry
13. Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
14. Total Quality Management
15. Empowerment
16. Organizational Justice
17. Downsizing
18. Organizational Interventions (Organizational Consulting)
Detailed Description of Course
PSYC 655 will consist of lecture, student presentations and discussion. Emphasis will be on understanding and evaluating topics as to their relevance to organizational effectiveness.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the psychological explanations of organizational leadership, power,
and effectiveness
2. Effectively summarize and present learned material
3. Develop an ability to see the “big picture” by integrating various theories and/or
topics
4. Combine scientific findings with real-world applications
5. Clearly differentiate between management and leadership
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures in this course may include:
1. Performance on midterm and final essay exams
2. Presentation of reading material
3. Attendance
4. Participation
5. Role plays of various organizational psychology interventions
Other Course Information
Readings may include a textbook, scientific journal articles (which will be presented by students), and “popular” books, monographs, or articles that apply organizational psychology to industry.
Approval and Revision Dates
January 1999 Revisions to 655