Syllabus

      Psy 448 Cross-cultural Industrial/Organizational Psychology in Vienna

     

    Instructor:

    Victor Savicki
    Western Oregon University
    e-mail:  savickiv@wou.edu

    Objectives:

    Upon completion of the course students will be able
    a) to demonstrate an understanding of the underlying methodologies used in Industrial/Organizational psychology,
    b) to identify and explain the range of topics covered by the field,
    c) to define and explain the significance of several dimensions of work values upon which nations differ,
    d) to identify and explain significant concepts in cross-cultural psychology,
    e) to integrate cross-cultural and work value concepts in the explanation of functioning of multinational organizations.

    Grading:

     Grades will be calculted via a point system.  Successful completion of tasks will earn points.  Points will then be accumulated to earn a specific grade following the formulae below.
    A = 400,  B = 300, C = 225, D = 150, F < 150

    Books:

     Adler, N. J. (2002). International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior 4th edition, South-Western College Publishing: Cincinnati, OH.

     Matsumoto, D. (2000). Culture and Psychology 2nd edition . Brooks/Cole: Pacific Grove, CA.

    Required Tasks:

    1. Weekly journal (see guidelines) (50)  Journal entries should be turned in at the first class session of each week and will be returned at the second session of the same week.  See the guidelines attached.  Start you journal entries on the plane flight to Vienna.
    2. Home culture analysis (see guidelines) (50) You should be prepared to discuss your analysis on the first day of class . The actual paper is due at the second class session of the first week of class.
    3. Observation assignment (to be developed in-class) (50)
    4. Interview and write-up with someone of a different culture about cultural issues (interview guidelines to be developed in class) (50)
    5. Interview with an employee of an organization based in Vienna about organizational issues (interview guidelines to be developed in class) (50)
    6. Final exam: Final paper synopsis and class review based on journal and other experiences (50).  This paper should integrate all of the in and out-of-class, formal and informal learning experiences.  It should integrate class concepts, cultural experiences, and personal reactions/changes.  More than a mere listing of activities, the paper should identify themes, major learnings, and individual changes in attitude, perspective, belief, feeling, and behavior related to the overall theme of the course.
     

     Reading Schedule:

    Week
    Adler Chapters
    Matsumoto Chapters
    2 1 1, 2
    3 3, 4, 6, 7 14
    4 2 5, 6
    7 9, 12,1 3
    9 4
    10 5 7, 8
    11 9, 10 10, 11
    12 8, 9 15

    Optional Tasks:

    1. In-class synopsis, and discussion leadership of assigned chapters for one class periodís reading  (25)
    2. Leadership of in-class activity
     a. Interview guidelines brainstorm and construction
         week 4 (25)
         week 9 (25)
     b. Job design and motivation group activity (25)
     c. Group decision making activity (25)
    3. Take-home section quizzes (15 each)
     

    Academic Policies:

    1. Attendance
    Attendance at all classes and excursions is required.  Much of the class time will be spent in lecture, interactional activities, speakers, and discussion.  Most of the information about industrial/ organizational psychology will come from lectures.  Of course, excursions are vital.  Points will be deducted for unexcused absences.

    2. Written assignments
    Unless you bring a computer and printer or typewriter with you, your written assignments will be handwritten.  These must be legible.  Plan on a bit more time in writing these assignments so that you can exercise care in writing.  Also, points will be deducted for late assignments.
     
     

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