module specification

This module takes the perspective of a consultant with some psychological background knowledge.
Students will identify issues in case studies and analyse the problems involved to suggest possible solutions for practice.

The module aims to develop theoretical and applied knowledge of the key concepts in psychological change and consultancy and their use in organisations.
The problem-based learning approach offers challenges for students to think critically, use resources and take responsibility for own learning.
The module also aims to develop the student’s skill in particular:
• Academic Reading
• Researching
• Application of Knowledge and Presenting Data
• Academic Writing/literacy
• Communicating/presenting – orally and in writing, including inter-cultural communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Self/Time Management
• Self reflection/assessment
• Interpersonal, including collaborating/working with others, cross cultural awareness, having a positive attitude, negotiation and persuasion
• Enterprise skills
• Commercial Awareness

The changing nature of work
The learning organisation
Psychological approaches to change
The framework of change
Designing and implementing a change programme
The consulting project lifecycle
The consulting relationship
Development of coaching and mentoring within organisations

A carefully selected and designed problem introduced at the beginning of the semester in a case study will motivate students to gain knowledge and use their problem-solving skills. Although this module relies on self-directed learning and team-working skills, students will be supported in their progress in weekly sessions with input (lecture, article, and discussions), in-class group work and regular feedback.
Weekly tasks have to be delivered by the students which will guide them to the final assessment.
Short presentations following the discussions during the sessions will provide opportunity for formative feedback.

1. The students will gain an understanding of the key theories psychological change and consultancy.
2. They will get an insight into skills and role of consultants in organisations by applying psychological approaches based on their own experience in this setting.
3. They will be able to demonstrate an understanding of intervention techniques
4. They will learn to analyse a work or organisational problem and suggest appropriate solutions taking a psychological perspective.

The assessment is divided in two parts and based on the principles of problem-based learning.
The first assignment is based on the proposal delivered a s a group in week 7. Peer, self and tutor feedback will be used to write a critical analysis of solution provided.
The second assignment is a reflective statement which covers the learning experience on different levels (knowledge, process, team skills and presentation).

Essential

Buchanan, D.A. & Badham, R.J. (2008). Power, Politics and Organizational Change. London: Sage.

Demers, C. (2007). Organizational Change Theories. London: Sage.

Hawkins, P. & Smith, N. (2006). Coaching, Mentoring and Organizational Consultancy: Supervision and Development. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Background
Arnold, J., & Randall, R. (2010). Work Psychology: Understanding human behaviour in the workplace. Harlow: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.

Chmiel, N. (2009). An Introdction to Work and Organizational Psychology: A European Perspective. Oxford: Blackwell.

Connor, M. & Pokora, J. (2007). Coaching & mentoring at Work: Developing Effective practice. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

French, R., Rayner, C., Rees, G., & Rumbles, S. (2008). Organizational Behaviour. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley.

Grant, P. (2005). Business Psychology in Practice. London: Whurr Publishers Ltd.

Schein, E.H. (1999). Process consultation revisited: Building the helping relationship. Harlow: Addison-Wesley.

Schultz, D., & Schultz, S. E. (2009). Psychology and Work Today (10 ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Woods, S.A. & West, M.A. (2010). The Psychology of Work and Organizations. Andover: Cengage Learning EMEA.

Journals
Journal of Organizational Change Management

Journal of Organizational Psychology

Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology

Personnel Psychology

Organizational Dynamics