Branch of psychology that applies the principles of psychology to the workplace
Purpose of I/O Psychology
To enhance the dignity and performance of human beings and the organizations they work in, by advancing the science and knowledge of human behavior
I/O Psychology
Examines factors that affect the people in an organization as opposed to the broader aspects of running an organization
Focuses almost exclusively on issues involving the people in the organization
Relies extensively on research, quantitative methods, and testing techniques
Use empirical data and statistics rather than intuition to make decisions
Science-Practitioner Model
I/O professionals acts as scientist when they conduct research and as practitioners when they work with actual organizations; applies research findings so that the work they perform with the organizations will be of high quality and enhance an organization's effectiveness
Major Fields of I/O Psychology
Industrial Approach
Organizational Approach
Industrial Approach
Focuses on determining the competencies needed to perform a job, staffing the organization with employees who have those competencies, and increasing those competencies through trainings
Organizational Approach
Creates an organizational structure and culture that will motivate employees to perform well, give them the necessary information about their jobs, and provide working conditions that are safe and result in an enjoyable and satisfying work/life environment
Areas of Personnel Psychology
Analyzing jobs
Recruiting applicants
Selecting employees
Determining salary levels
Training employees
Evaluating employee performance
Personnel Psychology
Choose existing tests or create new ones that can be used to select and promote employees
Analyzes jobs to obtain a complete picture of what each employee does, often assigning monetary values to each position
Construct performance appraisal instruments to evaluate employee performance
Examine various methods that can be used to train and develop employees
OrganizationalPsychology
Concerned with the issues of leadership, jobsatisfaction, employeemotivation, organizational communication, conflict management, organizational change, and group processes within an organization
Conduct surveys of employee attitudes
Serving the role of consultant
Implement organization-wide programs designed to improve performance
HumanFactors/Ergonomics
Concentrate on workplacedesign, human-machineinteraction, ergonomics, and physicalfatigue and stress
Frequently works with engineers and other technical professionals to make the workplace safer and more efficient
I/O Psychologists employed ArmyAlpha (for literate) and ArmyBeta (for illiterate)
WWI
ThomasEdison Created a 163-item knowledge test that he administered over 900 applicants
Frank and LillianMollerGilbreth
Improved the productivity and reduce fatigue by studying motions used by workers
HawthorneStudies
Demonstrated that employee behavior was complex and that the interpersonal interactions between managers and employees played a tremendous role in employee behavior
HawthorneEffect
Employees changed their behavior and became more productive because they were being studies and received attention from their managers
Civilrightslegislation;
1960s
used sensitivity trainings and t-groups for managers
1970s
Increased use of behavior-modification techniques in organization
Increased usage of fairly sophisticated statistical techniques and methods of analysis; application of cognitive psychology; increased interest in the effects of work on family life and leisure activities
1980sand1990s
Diversified demographics; global economy affects the role of I/O Psychology
2000s
Factors that impact I/O Psychology
HighUnemployment rates
Movements toward flexible work schedules
Family-friendly work policies
Accommodation of an increasing number of employees with child-care and elder-care responsibilities
Flatter organizational structures with fewer management levels
Population shifts from urban to suburbs
Increasing cost of health-care benefits
Potential changes in retirement age
EducationalRequirements and Types of Programs
Master's Program
Doctoral Programs (Ph.D)
EthicalDilemmas
Ambiguous situations that require a personal judgment of what is right or wrong because there is no rules, policies, or laws guiding such decisions