PSYCHOLOGY OF INTRA-GROUP AND INTER-GROUP RELATIONS (2017/2018)

Learning outcomes

This course focuses on group processes and groups in organizational contexts. Organizations are the ideal context to study group dynamics, as they are internally structured groups, characterized by power and status hierarchies. In addition, professional identities often play a key role in the definition of the self, above and beyond other social identities, such as those based on gender, ethnicity or nationality. The course aims to develop the following competencies: knowledge, understanding, and analysis of intra-group (interpersonal) and inter-group relations in social and organizational contexts, planning of interventions aimed at maintaining harmonious group relations. A further aim is to develop an integrated system of knowledge about group processes and the ability to effectively communicate information, goals, and decisions to experts and non-experts in the field of intra-group and inter-group relations.

The course will be held in Italian and will cover the following topics:
-group formation
-cohesion, inclusion and identity
-social influence, conformity, obedience and power
-leadership
-group decision making
-group productivity
-intergroup relations and conflict
-organizational identification and organizational commitment
-nested identities within organizations
-intra- and extraorganizational identities
-social identities in acquisitions and mergers
-intra-group cooperation and trust
-majority-minority relations within organizations

Readings:
Forsyth, D. R. (2014). Group dynamics (6th Ed.). Cengage Learning. Chapters: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14.
Hogg, M. A., & Terry, D. J. (2003). Social identity processes in organizational contexts. Psychology Press. Chapters: 3,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,16,17.
(The book is in print on demand, with 5-10 working days for printing and about 30 days for shipping; a copy is available in biblioteca Frinzi)

Non attending students who might find it difficult to study in English are invited to contact Elena Trifiletti (elena.trifiletti@univr.it) to discuss the readings.

For attending students, the exam will consist of a group task (optional) of an oral examination; for non attending students, the exam will consist of an oral examination. The content and modes of completion of the work task will be agreed upon by the lecturer and (attending) students. In the oral examination, (attending/non attending) students will be asked questions about 3-4 topics included in the syllabus, that will be selected by the lecturer. Students are required to know the relevant theoretical constructs, as well as how to interpret social and organizational behaviour according to the theories and concepts included in the syllabus. The oral examination will test students' competencies of understanding, analysis and communication.

STUDENT MODULE EVALUATION - 2017/2018