Human Behavior in Organizations and Markets

This two-quarter program explores the complex relationships between people, markets, and organizations. Drawing from both business and psychology, students examine how human behavior shapes organizations and markets, and how organizations, in turn, influence individuals and groups.

In fall, the program emphasizes understanding human behavior in organizational and market settings. Students study organizational psychology, organizational communication, consumer behavior, and behavioral economics. These perspectives explain how motivation,perception, identity, and social influence affect decision-making, information flow, and team functioning, providing a foundation for applied organizational work in winter.

In winter, the program shifts toward application. Students explore how organizations develop and adapt through both people-centered and process-centered change. Topics include organizational development, operations, human resource practices, workplace culture, and the psychology of motivation and group dynamics. Students also carry out a capstone project in applied organizational research or consulting, integrating insights from both psychology and business to analyze or address a real-world organizational challenge.

This program is designed for students interested in organizational psychology, business management, human resources, marketing, or applied social science. It builds on Business in a Complex World and and complements the Change Maker Lab program, and provides a pathway for students in business, psychology, or interdisciplinary studies to build advanced knowledge for professional and graduate-level work.