BUSINESS PSYCHOLOGY
Full year work
,What is Psychology?
• Definition: Study of individuals' thoughts,
emotions, and behaviours.
• Objective: Understand human interaction with the
world using psychological theories.
• Goal: Apply theories in practical settings, not just
memorize details or become counsellors.
People are More Complex Than We Think
• Bronfenbrenner’s Bio-Ecological
Model (1979):
o Concept: Human functioning is
influenced by multiple interacting
systems (e.g., family, religion,
government).
o Structure: Systems range from broader
influences (blue circle) to closer ones
(purple circle), evolving over time.
o Example (Nikita’s Case):
▪ Microsystem: Immediate environment (family, church).
▪ Mesosystem: Interaction between her microsystems (family’s
influence on her church involvement).
▪ Exosystem: Indirect influences (parents' workplaces,
Stellenbosch University)
▪ Macrosystem: Broader cultural and social influences.
,Part 1: Interpersonal Relationships
Why Do Interpersonal Skills Matter?
• Humans are inherently social beings, created to
form relationships rather than live in isolation.
• Building, nurturing, and maintaining
meaningful relationships is central to our
existence, from birth through to death.
What is an Interpersonal Relationship?
• Social psychology explores how social interactions shape individuals, focusing on
social thinking, influence, and behaviour.
• Interpersonal relationships are a key element of social psychology, essential for
effective client relationship management.
• An interpersonal relationship is the connection between two or more individuals,
which can vary in duration and depth, based on factors like mutual interest, love,
solidarity, business, or social commitment.
Defining Personality
• Personality in psychology is defined in various ways:
1. Personality refers to the unique and stable patterns of behaviour, thoughts,
and emotions shown by individuals.
2. It is the distinctive and relatively enduring way of thinking, feeling, and acting
that characterizes a person’s responses to life situations.
Interpersonal Relationships in the Business Environment
• In a business setting, interpersonal relationships involve strong connections between
colleagues.
• A positive work environment is fostered when employees share a bond and
collaborate effectively.
• Honesty is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and a positive workplace
culture.
The Importance of Interpersonal Skills and Relationships
• Interpersonal skills, as defined by Johnson (2014), are the ability to interact
effectively with others.
• These skills help manage interactions thoughtfully, fostering wise decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal relationships act as protective factors, enhancing resilience and
preventing future issues.
Why Interpersonal Skills Matter:
• They enhance communication, influence, and personal growth.
, • Interpersonal skills are essential for maintaining mental health, forming relationships,
and coping with life’s challenges.
• These skills are key to social development, career success, and leading a meaningful
life, as reflected in the concept of Ubuntu: “I am because you are”.
Viktor Frankl:
• Existentialism: Individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and
development.
• Logotherapy: Founded by Frankl; emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in
life, even in suffering.
Describing Interaction Among Individuals
Characteristic Personal Impersonal
Integration into Affects psychological well-being, Has little to no effect on
identity emotions well-being
Involves sharing personal ideas
Openness Reveals little about oneself
and feelings
Interaction is specific to the
Distinctiveness Determined by social rules
relationship
Replaceability Unique, hard to replace Easily replaceable
Motivation to
Intrinsic value Extrinsic motivation
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