Not available in 2021/22
MG4B8 Half Unit
Evolutionary Psychology and Management
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Satoshi Kanazawa NAB5.33
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Management and Strategy. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Course content
Principles of evolutionary psychology. The nature and limitations of the human brain as an evolved and adapted organ. Evolutionary origins of cognitive biases, and their effects on organisational behaviour. Sex differences in organisational behaviour. The importance of physical attractiveness and general intelligence in organisational behaviour. "Discrimination" in labour market. Evolutionary psychological perspectives on cooperation, reciprocity, altruism, hierarchy, and leadership in modern corporations. Evolutionary origins of organisationally relevant emotions such as envy, spite, and positional bias. This course introduces the evolutionary psychological perspective on business and management. The emerging science of evolutionary psychology sheds entirely new light on, and offers different solutions to, old problems of management, such as glass ceiling, occupational sex segregation, sexual harassment and suboptimal decision making, and points to new potential problems.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the MT.
Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy
Formative coursework
One class presentation and one essay based on the class presentation.
Indicative reading
Browne, Kingsley R. 2002. Biology at Work: Rethinking Sexual Equality, New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press; Kanazawa, Satoshi. 2012. The Intelligence Paradox: Why the Intelligent Choice Isn't Always the Smart One. Pinker, Susan. 2008. The Sexual Paradox: Troubled Boys, Gifted Girls and the Real Difference Between the Sexes.
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Management
Total students 2020/21: Unavailable
Average class size 2020/21: Unavailable
Controlled access 2020/21: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Application of numeracy skills
