The branch of psychology that applies psychological theories and concepts to organizations is known as industrial-organizational psychology. Often known as I-O psychology, this area focuses on the increase in productivity of the workplace and related issues such as employee physical and mental health.
Industrial psychologists perform a variety of tasks, including the study of employee attitudes and behavior, the assessment of companies, and leadership training. The overall objective of this field is to study human behavior at work and to understand it.
Industrial psychology and the use of psychological concepts to aid in personnel selection gave birth to the field of I-O psychology. It investigates job characteristics, job applicants, and methods for determining job fit. Job analysis, applicant testing, and interviews are examples of these procedures.
It also researches and implements procedures for new employee orientation and ongoing employee training. Industrial psychologists must develop methods for adhering to the law in hiring because the hiring process can be vulnerable to bias, which is illegal. In industrial psychology, performance appraisal systems are a hot topic of study and practice.
The organizational side of psychology focuses on how organizations influence individual behavior. Organizational structures, societal norms, management styles, and role expectations are all influences on how people behave in the workplace. I-O psychologists strive to increase individual performance and wellness while also improving the organization as a whole by recognizing such aspects.
While industrial-organizational psychology is a practical field, it also requires basic theoretical research. I-O psychology has a number of sub-areas, including human-computer interaction, personnel psychology, and human factors, all of which have their roots in experimental psychology.
6 Main Areas of I-O Psychology
Workplace
This area focuses on increasing employee satisfaction and increasing workforce productivity.
In this field, I-O psychologists might look for ways to make jobs more rewarding or create programs to improve workplace quality of life.
Training and Development
Professionals in this field often determine what skills are required for specific work and develop and evaluate employee training programs. training and development programs.
Organizational Development
I-O psychologists who work in this field assist organizations in improving themselves, often by increasing profits, redesigning products, and improving organizational structure.
Performance Management in Industrial Psychology
I-O psychologists who work in this field create assessments and techniques to determine whether employees are performing well.
Employee Selection
It entails creating employee selection assessments, such as screening tests, to determine whether job applicants are qualified for a specific position.
Ergonomics
The field of ergonomics is concerned with the design of procedures and equipment that maximize performance while minimizing injury.
Topics Covered by I-O Psychologist in Industrial Psychology
Here are a few of the specific issues that industrial-organizational psychologists address:
Employee Motivation
Psychological principles may be used by professionals in this field to keep employees motivated.
Employee Testing in Industrial Psychology
I-O psychologists frequently use psychological principles and tests to assist businesses in selecting candidates who are best suited to specific job roles.
Workplace Diversity
Within the field of organizational psychology, professionals may assist businesses in developing hiring practices that promote greater diversity, as well as train employees on diversity and inclusion.
Workplace Performance in Industrial Psychology
I-O psychologists frequently study workplace behavior in order to create environments and procedures that maximize employee performance. Some I-O psychologists work on consumer or workplace product development.
I-O psychologists may work with leaders to develop better strategies or train managers to use various leadership skills to better manage their teams.
Industrial-organizational psychology is a good option for students who want to apply psychological principles in a real-world setting. This field may be ideal for you if you have a strong interest in psychology as well as related subjects such as product design, computers, statistics, and engineering.
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