Conflict Resolution and Organizational Psychology (TOL160)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a critical introduction to key theories in occupational psychology and conflict management. An important starting point for the course is that interpersonal communication, professional ethics, stress management and teamwork/team management can counteract stress and conflicts in the workplace. When stress and conflicts nevertheless arise, managing them in an adequate manner can be challenging, partly as a result of possible value choices and dilemmas. Therefore, the course is also an introduction to stress management and conflict management methodology.

The course introduces students to key perspectives and theories within individual- and organisational psychology, conflict management, professional ethics, interpersonal communication, stress management, teamwork/team management, etc. and thus provides good insight into different aspects of how Norwegian Customs is organised and their interaction with other actors as a result of professional practice, both in normal operations and in conflict situations. Guest lecturers will be utilised for contextualisation related to both professional ethics assessments and the management of situations affected by choice of values and dilemmas.

The course largely problematises the subject matter studied. An important aim of the course is to ask critical questions about how conflicts arise and are managed in the workplace.

The pedagogical angle of the learning material is threefold; great emphasis is placed on theory, frameworks and models, as well as problem-oriented and experience-based learning at individual and collective levels.

After successfully completing the course, students will have the following learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills and general competence:

After successfully completing the course, students will have knowledge about:

• Key theories about organisational psychology, conflict management, professional ethics, interpersonal communication, stress management and team management
• Social psychological perspectives on groups and group processes.

After successfully completing the course, students will have skills in:

• Teamwork/team management and interpersonal communication
• Have an understanding of power, the exercise of authority and professional ethics
• Assessment of relevant conflict management in different situations
• Analysis of structural organisational challenges that can increase the level of conflict and ways of dealing with them
• A broad register of organisational psychology issues

After successfully completing the course, students will have general competence in:

• Basic insight into the perspectives and concepts of the course, and important psychological theories
• Developing the ability to critically reflect on organisations’ abilities regarding conflict management, interpersonal communication, stress management and teamwork / team management
• A basis for understanding, applying and recognising organisational psychology principles in working life