Module: Psychology in Organisations

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Psychology in Organisations
Module Code	PSY1093 (ITS: HR101)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide students with a firm basic understanding of human behaviour in organisations. In this module students will develop knowledge about (i) individual behavior in the work setting, (ii) group processes and (iii) how these may impact on organisational effectiveness. The module enables students to analyse human behaviour in organisations and to identify solutions to organisational problems. Students are expected to attend lectures/tutorials, prepare for and contribute to class discussions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the importance of an understanding of organisational behaviour
2. Discuss the various organisational behaviour models, theories and approaches
3. Discuss the social psychological influences on employees and work settings
4. Apply organisational behaviour theories, concepts and methods in various contexts

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Weekly Lecture
Tutorial	3	Tutorial with Teaching Assistant
Independent Study	60	Reading
Directed learning	40	Preparation for assignments and the final exam.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11503	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Xuchang Zheng	Module Teacher	Edel Conway, Lisa Van Der Werff

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	The continuous assessment element of this module comprises of an in class test. The test will include a combination of thirty short answer and multiple choice questions. This assessment will require an understanding of the basic principles of organisational psychology and knowledge of the various theories and models explored in the first half of the course.	30%	Week 8
Essay	n/a	70%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Organisational Behaviour
This section introduces the students to the field of organisational behaviour. It outlines the history of the field, gives an overview of the relevant topics in the field, and explains the importance of an understanding of human behavior in the workplace.

Individual Behaviour in Organisations
This section looks at important topics in relation to individual behaviour in work settings. Theories and empirical findings on motivation, individual differences, learning, and perception will be covered. Exercises in the lectures and tutorials will place the students in the position of decision-making and problem-solving manager, inviting the students to apply the theories in the field.

Group Dynamics in Organisations
Group formation, group structure and individual behaviour in groups will be explained to the students and its relevance with respect to organisational performance outlined.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

David A. Buchanan, Andrzej A. Huczynski,: 2010, Organizational Behaviour, 7th, Prentice Hall, 978-0-273-72822-1

Articles:

0: Additional exercises and case studies will be provided on moodle., 55915, 1
Additional readings will be recommended in class.:

Other Resources

None