Psy 4415: 

Course Objectives

The purpose of this course is to provide you with an introduction to labor-management processes in the United States. The roles of both parties in the process will be emphasized.  Lectures, discussions, cases, simulation exercises, and current events will be used to increase your knowledge of the labor relations process.  The Dilts (2007) book provides a wide variety of cases for discussion.  By the end of the term you should be able to recognize and discuss key events, agencies, and issues in this area and write an analysis of a collective bargaining or arbitration case. Specific expectations for the class are reflected in the exam study guides.  Briefly, by the end of the course you should be able to describe and have increased knowledge of the:

• History of the U.S. labor relations movement 

• Legal and regulatory environment and processes in regard to labor relations

• Management and union organizational structures

• Organization and functions of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

• Unfair labor practices committed by management and unions

• Certification and decertification processes

• Collective bargaining process, and private sector versus public sector bargaining

• Strikes, including types, preparations, and tactics

• Dispute resolution techniques applied to bargaining

• Typical components of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)

• Grievance processes connected with contract administration and interpretation

• Arbitration forms and processes

• Labor relations outside the U.S.

Psychology department outcomes or competencies developed in this class include:

• Understanding of critical facts, theories, and issues in HRM

• Library, Internet, and computer-based information-seeking skills

• Critical thinking or problem solving in discipline

• Ability to communicate clearly, skillfully, and sensitively with others (including oral and written communications skills)

• Using language and style requirements of discipline