Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O)

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Introduction

Industrial/organizational psychology (I/O) I/O psychology is a distinct field of psychology that is marked not only by its scientific and theoretical underpinnings and the effectiveness of its instrumental practice but by its moral or normative stance regarding human well-being. I/O psychology is among those professions, like accountancy, advertising, systems analysis, engineering, and others, that have developed and risen in status because of their integration in the modern corporate enterprise. IO focuses on two broad areas: Industrial topics include testing; job analysis and evaluation; recruitment, selection, and placement of applicants; employee training and socialization; evaluation of employee job performance; job design; working conditions; health and safety; and motivation. Organizational topics include a company's social system and communication, groups within organizations, leadership, and organizational change and development. Topics of overlap of the two areas include absenteeism, turnover, job commitment, job satisfaction, employee development, and quality of work life.

1. Explain how industrial/organizational psychology is different from other disciplines of psychology?

Educational psychologists develop and analyze materials and strategies for effective educational
curricula. School psychologists design instructive programs, consult with teachers, and assist students with problems. Genetic psychologists study the activities of the human organism in relation to the hereditary and evolutionary factors involved; functions and origin play a central role. Physiological psychologists examine the biological bases of behavior. They are often interested in the biochemical reactions underlying memory and learning. Engineering psychologists design and evaluate equipment, training devices, and systems. The goal is to facilitate relationships between people and their environment. The difference between these disciplines of psychology and Industrial/organizational psychology is that (I/O) psychologists research and develop programs that promote on-the-job efficiency, effectiveness, challenge, and positive disposition. They study ability and personality factors, special training and experience, and work and environment variables as well as organizational changes. They are instrumental in analyzing how those ...