Revised 08/2023

PSY 126 - Psychology for Business and Industry (3 CR.)

Course Description

Focuses on the application of psychology to interpersonal relations and the working environment. Includes topics such as group dynamics, motivation, employee-employer relationship, interpersonal communications. May include techniques for selection and supervision of personnel. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with principles involved in utilizing psychological concepts in the work place. It is a one semester course designed for the student preparing for careers currently and to assist them in being more productive by way of helping them to apply psychological principles and theories which will assist them to succeed in the competitive system of the work world.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Post high school reading skills, a working knowledge of psychology vocabulary and major principles. Some previous psychology is helpful but not a prerequisite

Course Objectives

Upon completion the course, the student will be able to:

  • Analyze the interaction of work and personal life
  • Identify the communication networks in organizations considering the new technology
  • Give examples of how new technology effects work-related behavior
  • Point out multiple legal and/or ethical complications of business in the modern world
  • Critically analyze an effective leadership and the benefits of teamwork in different settings
  • Explain the dynamics of work environment and organizational effectiveness utilizing psychological concepts and theories (e.g. motivation, learning, problem solving, and attitudes)
  • Broadly identify the effects of work-related stress and conflicts on mental and physical health
  • Analyze how culture impacts the nature of business in the modern world

Major Topics to Be Included

  • General psychological concepts and theories that helps our understanding business and industrial
  • problems (e.g. learning, motivation)
  • Communications; theories and new technologies
  • Social, cultural, and global perspectives to business
  • The impacts of new technology in changing business and work: telecommuting, multitasking, job
  • search, social networking, distance training
  • Legal and ethical considerations in business and industry
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Work-related stress and conflicts, and ways to prevent, solve, or cope with them
  • Revised 8/2023