Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management ®
What you'll learn
- "Understand the impact of globalization on industry, exploring both challenges and opportunities it presents in organizational dynamics."
- "Gain insights into various motivation theories, including ERG theory, and learn how to apply them to enhance employee motivation and satisfaction."
- "Develop an understanding of emotional intelligence and its importance in the workplace for managing stress, fostering teamwork, and leadership."
- "Explore the concepts of power and politics within organizations, and understand effective job design and Organizational Behavior Modification (OBMOD)."
- "Learn about the nine types of intelligence in the context of organizational psychology, enabling better personnel management and team building."
- "Grasp the principles of ethical development in organizations, essential for creating a sustainable and positive work environment in HR management."
- "Examine the personal and professional effects of job stress, and discover strategies within organizational psychology for mitigating its impact."
Requirements
- Open Mindset: A willingness to learn about and understand complex human behaviors within organizational settings.
- Basic Understanding of Psychology: While not required, having a foundational knowledge of general psychology concepts can be beneficial.
- Interest in Human Resources: A curiosity about how human resource practices impact organizational effectiveness.
- No Specialized Equipment Needed: All course materials are provided online; you only need a device with internet access to participate.
Description
Welcome to the course on Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management!
We’re about to embark on a journey that uncovers what truly makes workplaces thrive. Imagine being part of an organization where people aren’t just working—they’re engaged, satisfied, and motivated to do their best. Understanding the psychology behind human behavior at work can help create such environments, boosting both employee well-being and business success.
Organizational psychology is all about studying how people behave in professional settings and using that knowledge to improve performance, satisfaction, and overall workplace dynamics. In fact, studies show that companies with highly engaged employees are 21% more profitable than those without.
Take Google’s Project Aristotle, for instance. Researchers found that the most successful teams had one crucial factor: psychological safety—the belief that team members can take risks and be vulnerable without fear of punishment. That insight transformed how teams were built, emphasizing trust and open communication as cornerstones of success.
As the world becomes more interconnected, globalization reshapes industries. While this opens doors to innovation and expansion, it also brings challenges—like navigating cultural differences and adapting to diverse markets. Yet, research from McKinsey shows that companies with diverse teams outperform their peers by 35%, as varied perspectives spark creativity and better decision-making.
Speaking of diversity, it’s not just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage. Salesforce, for example, actively works to close gender pay gaps and foster inclusion through mentorship programs, proving that ethical and diverse workplaces don’t just improve employee satisfaction—they drive results. In fact, Harvard Business Review reports that diverse companies see a 19% increase in revenue from innovation alone.
But creating a thriving workplace isn’t just about policies and diversity. Understanding employee motivation is key. Concepts like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory show that people need more than just a paycheck to stay engaged. Companies like Zappos prioritize cultural fit and personal fulfillment, leading to lower turnover and happier teams.
And while IQ often gets the spotlight, research by psychologist Daniel Goleman reveals that emotional intelligence (EQ) accounts for 58% of professional success. Leaders like Satya Nadella at Microsoft have embraced this, encouraging empathy and self-awareness to build stronger, more collaborative teams.
Of course, no workplace is without challenges. Job stress alone costs U.S. companies over $300 billion annually in absenteeism, healthcare, and lost productivity. Forward-thinking organizations like Johnson & Johnson tackle this by investing in employee wellness programs, proving that prioritizing mental health is both humane and financially smart.
Workplaces are also shaped by power dynamics and politics. While office politics can be frustrating, studies show that employees who understand and navigate workplace politics tend to experience greater career success. And when leadership is intentional about fostering fairness and transparency, it can mitigate the negative effects of politics, creating a more trusting and cohesive environment.
The design of a job itself plays a huge role in performance and engagement. According to Hackman and Oldham’s Job Characteristics Model, jobs that offer meaning, autonomy, and regular feedback lead to more satisfied and productive employees. Spotify, for instance, embraces flexible work models, allowing employees to shape their schedules for better work-life balance.
Behavioral psychology also has practical applications in HR. Behavioral modification (OBMOD) techniques, like positive reinforcement, can shape employee behavior and boost productivity. Walmart’s performance-based incentives, for example, significantly improved employee output and reduced turnover.
Looking ahead, the future of work is evolving rapidly. From AI-driven recruitment to a stronger focus on employee well-being, organizations that stay ahead of these trends will build resilient, high-performing teams.
By the end of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of what drives human behavior in the workplace—and more importantly, you’ll know how to use that knowledge to create healthier, happier, and more successful organizations. Whether you’re an aspiring HR leader, manager, or consultant, mastering these concepts will empower you to make a real impact. Let’s get started!
Who this course is for:
- HR Professionals: Individuals working in human resources who wish to deepen their understanding of psychological principles to enhance their HR practices.
- Business Managers and Leaders: Those in managerial or leadership roles seeking to improve team dynamics, employee motivation, and workplace culture.
- Psychology Students: University students studying psychology who are interested in applying psychological theories and principles within organizational settings.
- Career Changers: Individuals looking to transition into HR or organizational development roles and needing foundational knowledge in these areas.
- Small Business Owners: Entrepreneurs seeking to understand how organizational psychology can help in creating effective, motivated, and cohesive teams.
- Anyone with an Interest in Workplace Dynamics: People curious about how psychological principles impact employee behavior, job satisfaction, and organizational success.
Instructors
With 30+ expertly designed courses, 30,000+ global enrollments, 3,000+ reviews, and a 4.7+ star rating, we stand at the forefront of applied psychology education worldwide.
Our mission is simple but bold: to make psychology practical, powerful, and accessible to everyone — whether you're a student, therapist, coach, educator, or a curious mind seeking growth.
We break down complex psychological principles into actionable tools you can use immediately — for personal growth, professional development, and helping others thrive.
Join us. Understand more. Achieve more. Become more.
At the Institute of Human Resource and Leadership Development (IHRLD), we are passionate about developing the next generation of HR and leadership professionals. We believe that the fields of human resources and leadership are pivotal to building thriving, resilient organizations, and we are dedicated to empowering individuals with the skills, insights, and confidence needed to excel in these areas.
Our approach combines academic rigor with a compassionate, people-centered ethos. This ensures that each learner gains a comprehensive understanding of human resource and leadership principles while feeling supported throughout their professional journey. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and relevance, we strive to make a meaningful, lasting impact in these fields by focusing on a few core pillars:
Comprehensive Knowledge Base: Our curriculum covers a wide spectrum of HR and leadership topics, from strategic workforce planning to employee development, organizational behavior, and change management. We aim to provide a well-rounded foundation that prepares individuals to tackle real-world challenges confidently.
Practical, Hands-on Learning: At IHRLD, we emphasize applied learning. Through case studies, role-playing exercises, and simulated decision-making scenarios, learners not only absorb knowledge but also gain practical skills that directly apply to their roles in HR and leadership.
Supportive Learning Environment: We understand that growth often requires support. Our compassionate approach ensures that every participant feels encouraged and empowered to reach their fullest potential, creating a positive and enriching experience at every step of the journey.
High-Quality, Insightful Content: Every program we offer is meticulously designed to provide insightful, up-to-date content that reflects the latest advancements in human resources and leadership studies. This ensures our learners stay ahead of trends and can apply cutting-edge knowledge to real organizational contexts.
We are driven by a vision to help individuals and organizations not only succeed but thrive. Through our programs, we aim to instill a growth mindset and a strong foundation in leadership, guiding HR professionals to become inspiring, compassionate, and strategic leaders.
Ultimately, our commitment to growth and impact in human resources and leadership development makes us more than an educational institution. We are a partner in our learners' journeys toward professional excellence, contributing to the broader advancement of HR and leadership practices worldwide.