Industrial Psychology Unit 1

Definition and Goals of Industrial  and Organization Psychology

·      Industrial and organizational psychology is also known as I/O Psychology.

·      In simple terms : Study of human behaviour in work place.

·      Understanding and studying human behaviour can help organizations at each step ; from the selection process to increasing productivity, improving efficiency, lowering the cost and recognizing a good/bad employee, etc.

·      By analysing the work method, data, observations, surveys, an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist can come up with methods and models for the betterment of the workplace and create a pleasant environment for the employees.

·      It can also help to maintain good relations employers and employees.
Goals of Industrial Psychology : Describe, Understand, Predict and Control. 

History of Industrial Psychology :

http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/608/a-brief-history-of-industrial-psychology

This is a good description  for the history of I/O psychology ^

Key Forces :

·      People

·      Structure

·      Technology

·      Environment

Fundamental Concepts :

1.    Nature of people –

§  Individual Differences :

·      Each person is different

·      Require a employer’s approach to be individual and statistical (not to judge all by one)

·      Management can motivate employees more

·      Follows the Law of Individual Differences

§  Perception :

·      Same thing can be viewed differently different people

·      Uniqueness in how each person sees, organises, evaluates and interprets things

·      Various reasons (background, personalities, needs, motivation) lead to selective perception

§  A Whole Person :

·      Can’t employ just someone’s brain or skill

·      Employees behave as a whole person

·      Their life is fully connected to their work

§  Motivated Behaviour :

·      Is a very important factor

·      Person’s actions depend on their internal or external motivation

·      Management has two ways –

o   Show how certain actions will increase their need fulfilment.

o   Threaten how certain undesirable actions will decreased their need fulfilment.

§  Desire for Involvement :

·      Employees contribute their skills and talents for betterment of the company/industry

·      Management needs to provide them with opportunities for meaningful involvement

·      Can be achieved through Employee Empowerment

§  Value of the Person :

·      People want to be treated nicely

·      Higher order than other factors of production like Land, Capital and Technology and therefore

·      They demand respect, understanding and care

·      Want to be valued for their skills, abilities and to be provided opportunities

2.    Nature of Organization –

§  Social Systems :

·      Governed by social and psychological laws

·      Social roles and status

·      Behaviour influenced by group’s individual drives

·      It is dynamic in nature

§  Mutual Interest :

·      Mutual interest of organizations and people

·      Both need each other equally for development

·      People --> Needs satisfied --> Organization --> Goal accomplishment --> People

§  Ethics :

·      Ethical treatment very important to keep good employees motivated and retain them

·      Company must establish codes of ethics --> provide training for it --> reward employees who follow --> build positive role models --> handle misconduct