Historical Background of IO Psychology 1 Overview Industrial

Historical Background of I/O Psychology 1

Overview: Industrial/ Organizational (I/O) Psychology What is I/O Psychology? I/O Psychology as a Career 2

What is I/O psychology? The application of psychological principles to the workplace (anywhere people work) Help people do their jobs help employers treat employees fairly l help make jobs more interesting and satisfying l help workers be more productive l 3 Prepared by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology - SIOP © 1

What is I/O psychology? Treat employees fairly Treat people from diverse backgrounds fairly select people for jobs l provide training l reward promotions/raises l address harassment l 4 Prepared by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology - SIOP © 1998

What is I/O psychology? Make jobs more interesting/satisfying Design jobs people will find satisfying rewarding work l safe, efficient work areas (Human Factors) l Motivate employees to perform Create teams that work well together l combine diverse talents and perspectives 5 Prepared by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology - SIOP © 1998

What is I/O psychology? Help workers be more productive Design work patterns that enhance efficiency Provide skills training and development Help to meet the challenges of competition Move past downsizing 6 Prepared by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology - SIOP © 1998

I/O Psychology: Science and Practice As a SCIENCE, I/O psychology uses scientific methodology to research and advance knowledge about people at work And as a PRACTICE, I/O psychology is a profession concerned with the application of psychological knowledge to solve real-life problems in the world of work 7

Science and Practice Scientist-Practitioner Model: Interaction of scientific knowledge and application A call center has a three week training program Problem for new employees. The average employee quits after three months. Science: Turnover Theories Past Empirical Studies Practitioner: Create Plan 8

I/O Psychology Organizational Psychology is part of a broader field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology Industrial Organizational Recruitment Selection Classification Compensation Performance Appraisal Training Socialization Motivation Occupational Stress Leadership Group Performance Organizational Development 9

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The Hawthorne Studies of how characteristics of the work setting affected worker fatigue and performance at the Hawthorne Works of the Western Electric Company from 1924 -1932 11

Human Relations Implications l Hawthorne effect — workers’ attitudes toward their managers affect the level of workers’ performance 12

The Hawthorne Studies Demonstrated the importance of understanding how the feelings, thoughts, and behavior of work-group members and managers affect performance 13

I/O Psychology ENGINEERING PSYCHOLOGY/HUMAN FACTORS Person-machine systems l Working conditions l Equipment, tool, and machine design and function in recognition of operator limitations in strength, perception, reaction-time, etc. l 14

I/O Psychology INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Labor-union relations l Employee/employer relations l Cooperation & conflict resolution l Arbitration, negotiation & bargaining l 15

I/O Psychology VOCATIONAL & CAREER COUNSELING l Career choice, change, and retirement CONSUMER PSYCHOLOGY Consumer choice and preference for products l Purchasing behavior & decision making l 16

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Where do I/O Psychologists Work? Dual orientation (science & practice) reflected in principal work settings of I/O psychologists 18