Learning objectives

Knowledge and understanding 1. Providing students with knowledge and understanding of psychological theories that address the fundamental processes underlying the social cognition and perception in the organizational context of services 2. Providing students with knowledge and understanding of psychological theories that address individuals and group’s attitudes and behaviors in the organizational context of services. Applying knowledge and understanding 1. Applying theories on individual, group, organizational functioning to the understanding and analysis. of the functioning and adjustment of individuals to the social environment and to the organizational context within services 2. Applying theories to the understanding and development of the practitioner – service / user’s relationship. 3. Applying theories to the understanding and co-construction of social relationships with co-workers and supervisor within services.

Prerequisites and basic notions

There are no specific prerequisites beyond those required for admission to the degree program.

Program

The course is divided into two parts. The first focuses on understanding the intra-individual psychological processes involved in group phenomena, while the second examines group processes in educational settings.
The course covers the following topics:
Intra-individual psychological processes
• Social cognition
• Attitudes
• Self-concept and social identity
Group processes in educational settings
• The reality and nature of social groups
• Group formation
• Basic group processes
• The need to belong and social exclusion
• Social norms and conformity in groups
• Group decision-making processes
• Leadership
• Group productivity and effectiveness
• Conflict and cooperation in groups
• Aggression and helping behavior
• Intergroup conflict and social inequality
• Conflict reduction
Required readings
1. Crisp, R. J., & Turner, R. N. (2025, 4th ed.). Psicologia sociale. UTET Università: Turin. Chapters 2 (Attribution), 3 (Social Cognition), 4 (Attitudes), and 7 (The Self). Students who do not attend classes are also encouraged to read Chapter 1 (History, Methods, and Approaches).
2. Brown, R., & Pehrson, S. (2023). Psicologia sociale dei gruppi (3rd ed.). Il Mulino. Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9.
3. Haslam, S. A., Reicher, S. D., & Platow, M. J. (2026). The New Psychology of Leadership: Identity, Influence and Power (3rd ed.). Routledge. Chapters 4–10.
4. Ellemers, N., & Haslam, S. A. (2019). Social Identity Theory. In P. A. M. Van Lange, A. W. Kruglanski, & E. T. Higgins, Social Psychology: Handbook of Basic Principles (Italian translation, pp. 187–202). Edra.
5. Turner, J. C., & Reynolds, K. J. (2019). Self-Categorization Theory. In P. A. M. Van Lange, A. W. Kruglanski, & E. T. Higgins, Social Psychology: Handbook of Basic Principles (Italian translation, pp. 203–216). Edra.
6. Forsyth, D. (2019). Group Dynamics (7th ed.). Cengage. Chapter 13, Conflict.
Chapters listed under items 4–6 will be made available to students on the course Moodle platform. For readings in English, the instructor will provide supporting lecture notes in Italian.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

The course topics will be covered through lectures and practical exercises, with the aim of developing students' ability to study and analyze group processes, as well as to understand the underlying group dynamics.
Classes will be held in person. Supporting and catch-up materials, including lecture slides, handouts, and exercise materials, will be made available on the course Moodle platform to enable students who are absent to make up individual classes.

Learning assessment procedures

The examination will consist of a written test comprising three open-ended questions. Each question will be worth up to 10 points.

Evaluation criteria

Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the theoretical constructs, as well as their ability to understand, analyze, communicate, and interpret social and organizational behavior in light of the theories and concepts covered in the course.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade will be calculated by summing the points awarded for each answer, up to a maximum of 30/30, with the possibility of being awarded honors (cum laude).

Exam language

Italiano (english for international students, to be agreed with the instructor)

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