Psychosociology of Human Relations

No prior specialist knowledge is required.

ME1. Interactive Lectures: Structured presentation of the main concepts, theories, and models related to human relationships, Organizational Behaviour, organisational culture, motivation, communication, and organisational development, using dialogic teaching, questioning techniques, and guided discussion. This methodology promotes content understanding and contributes to the achievement of LO1 to LO7.

ME2. Case-Based Learning: Analysis and discussion of practical cases related to different organisational contexts, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts and models to the interpretation of real or simulated situations, develop diagnostic skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities, contributing to LO2 to LO7.

ME3. Active and Collaborative Learning: Development of individual exercises and group activities, promoting active student participation, the sharing of experiences and perspectives, collaborative knowledge construction, and the development of communication, teamwork, and organisational analysis skills, contributing to LO1 to LO7.

ME4. Self-Assessment and Individual Reflection: Application of self-assessment tools related to the topics covered in the course unit, enabling students to reflect on their own behaviours, competencies, and experiences, while establishing a connection between scientific knowledge and their personal and professional reality.

ME5. Digital Learning Tools: Use of interactive digital tools, namely Kahoot, Socrative, and Mentimeter, as support for learning, knowledge consolidation, and formative assessment, promoting active student engagement throughout the learning process.

Learning Objectives (LO)

Upon completion of this Course Unit, students will be able to:

LO1. Understand the importance of people in organisations, recognising the role of individual differences, human relationships, and psychosocial processes in organisational functioning and effectiveness.

LO2. Analyse the relationship between culture, society, and organisations, identifying their interactions, implications, and influence on contemporary organisational contexts.

LO3. Analyse the challenges faced by modern organisations in a globalised and constantly changing environment characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA).

LO4. Understand the main psychosocial processes in organisational contexts, particularly those related to individual behaviour, interpersonal relationships, and group and team dynamics.

LO5. Analyse the main theories of human motivation and decision-making processes, relating them to people management practices and the improvement of organisational performance.

LO6. Apply effective communication principles and interpersonal relationship management practices in different organisational contexts.

LO7. Recognise the importance of organisational culture and organisational development processes as factors promoting organisational adaptation, innovation, and sustainability.

Competencies to Be Developed (CD)

CD1. Critical Thinking: Critically analyse organisational phenomena, interpreting the influence of individual, group, and cultural factors on people’s behaviour within organisations.

CD2. Organisational Analysis: Identify and analyse the interactions between people, processes, and teams, assessing their impact on organisational functioning and performance.

CD3. Interpersonal Communication: Apply effective communication techniques, promoting positive interpersonal relationships and collaborative organisational environments.

CD4. People and Team Management: Develop analytical and intervention skills for managing individual and collective dynamics in organisational contexts.

CD5. Motivation and Decision-Making: Apply knowledge of motivation and human behaviour to support management practices oriented towards organisational performance and employee well-being.

CD6. Adaptability and Change Management: Understand and respond to challenges associated with organisational change, globalisation, and new work contexts.

CD7. Organisational Culture and Development: Recognise the role of organisational culture and organisational development practices in promoting organisational effectiveness and sustainability.

S1. The world of organizations: characteristics, current VICA context, globalization, technology and diversity

S2. Socialization: processes, people, teams and interactions

S3. The importance of people in organizations: individual differences

3.1. The Personality

3.2. The attitude

3.3. the perception

3.4. The values

3.5. the emotions

3.6. The Learn

S4. Social Interaction: application to different contexts

S5. Interpersonal Communication: application and integration to interpersonal relationship processes

S6. Human Motivation: processes and models

S7. The dynamics of groups in organizations

7.1. Types and characteristics of groups

7.2. Work teams and teamwork

S8. Group dynamics and decision-making processes

S9. Organizational culture and development

S10. Modern organizations and the balance between personal and professional life: application to work contexts

Students may choose one of the following assessment schemes:

1) Continuous/Periodic Assessment

a) AM1. Scientific Research and Analysis Assignment (60%)

Students will develop a scientific research and analysis assignment based on the selection of a scientific article published in an international journal, related to a topic covered in the course unit, subject to prior approval by the lecturer.

The assignment should include a critical analysis of the selected article, including the identification of its main theoretical and methodological contributions, discussion of the results presented, and its relationship with the topics addressed in the course unit.

The assignment may be carried out in groups (maximum of 3 students).

Minimum required grade: 10 points.

Mandatory assessment component. The assignment includes an oral presentation in class, which constitutes an integral part of the assessment, allowing the evaluation of students’ critical analysis, argumentation, and communication of acquired knowledge.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Guidelines:

The use of Artificial Intelligence tools is permitted as support for research, information organisation, and improvement of written work, provided that students remain responsible for the final content submitted. The use of AI must be declared by the student, including the identification of the tools used and a description of how they were integrated into the development of the assignment.

b) AM2 and AM3. Individual Knowledge Assessment Activities (40%)

Two individual knowledge assessment activities will be carried out during classes, each accounting for 20% of the final grade of the course unit. The activities aim to assess students’ understanding, analysis, and application of the main concepts and models addressed in the course unit.

Minimum required grade: 8 points in each activity. Mandatory assessment component. Individual assessment.

Final Classification Formula (Continuous Assessment):

FC = 0.60 × AM1 + 0.20 × AM2 + 0.20 × AM3

Approval in the course unit requires obtaining a minimum final grade of 10 points.

2) Final Examination Assessment (Examination Periods)

AM4. Individual Written Examination (100%)

An individual written examination covering all the syllabus contents of the course unit.

Minimum required grade: 10 points. Mandatory assessment component. No oral examination is foreseen.

Final Classification Formula for Examination:

FC = 1.00 × AM4

Assessment Validation Procedures

In the event of a well-founded suspicion of fraud detected during the correction process of an assessment component, the student will be required to undertake an oral examination aimed at verifying the knowledge and competencies demonstrated. This verification will be carried out by a panel composed of the course unit lecturer and two other lecturers from the same scientific area. If the student is unable to demonstrate possession of the knowledge and competencies evidenced in the written assessment, the assessment component will be cancelled.

Grade Improvement

Students may undertake grade improvement according to the assessment regulations currently in force at ISCAC.

Working Student Status (TE)

Students with Working Student status are subject to the assessment regime defined for the course unit. They may complete the scientific research and analysis assignment individually, while the oral presentation remains mandatory.

NAO