The Nature of Inclusion
Why do people need to belong? Explore how group membership, belonging and authenticity shape our experiences at work.
Belonging
Authenticity
Social identity
Free online learning · Workplace relations
The Social Animal at Work.
Why do people behave the way they do at work — and how can we improve workplace relationships?
Discover the social dynamics behind everyday working life in this four-module Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Explore how people form groups, navigate differences, build relationships and influence one another.
Combining insights from social and organizational psychology with interactive exercises, the course helps you understand workplace behaviour and put research into practice.
4 modules
Self-paced
100% online
English
1 ECTS
Course content
Four modules. One connected story.
From individual experiences of belonging to the social dynamics of teams and the role of organizations in creating better workplaces.
Discovering Diversity
People differ in many ways. Discover how diversity influences individual experiences, group processes and team performance.
Diversity
Differences
Team performance
The Dynamics of Inclusion
Workplace relationships are constantly evolving. Learn how reciprocity, social networks and everyday interactions influence relationships and inclusion.
Relationships
Social networks
Gossip
Inclusive Behaviours
How can everyday behaviour contribute to more inclusive workplaces? Explore practical ways to strengthen inclusion through interactions, communication and collaboration.
Behaviour
Communication
Inclusion
How it works
Learn. Practice. Apply. Assess.
Every module follows the same learning cycle. Discover the theory, test your understanding, apply your knowledge and reflect on what you have learned.
01
Learn
Watch concise knowledge clips introducing key psychological concepts and research findings.
02
Practice
Explore interactive activities that help you recognize social processes in action.
03
Apply
Connect scientific insights to everyday situations and your own professional context.
04
Assess
Check your understanding through a short assessment at the end of each module.
Practical information
Learn at your own pace.
Format
Fully online, self-paced
Language
English
Modules
Four interactive modules
Study load
1 ECTS (approximately 28 hours)
Prior knowledge
No psychology background required
Assessment
Minimum 70% on each module assessment
Availability
1 October 2026 – 31 August 2027
Academic credit
Recognition of 1 ECTS is subject
to your institution's procedures.
Who is this course for?
The course is designed for anyone interested in understanding people and social processes in organizational settings.
- Students preparing for professional life
- Professionals interested in workplace relationships
- Educators and academic staff
- Anyone seeking to understand diversity and inclusion at work
No background in psychology is required. Concepts are introduced through accessible explanations, interactive activities and practical examples.
Start learning
Understand people.
Improve workplace relationships.
Explore the science behind everyday workplace interactions and discover how small changes in behaviour can make a meaningful difference.
Developed at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences as part of the Comenius educational innovation project.