Before getting into what is Industrial-Organizational psychology, let us take a look in the history of I/O psychology. The "industrial” side of Industrial-Organizational psychology reveals its source to lie in research on individual differences, appraisal, and the forecast of performance. It was during World War I, that this branch of psychology gained importance, due to the growing need to rapidly assign new troops to duty stations. Walter Dill Scott, in 1919, was perhaps the most prominent Industrial-Organizational psychologist of his time. Read on to gain more details about Industrial-Organizational psychology.
Industrial organizational psychology is the branch of psychology applying psychological theories and principles to organizations. It is often referred to as I/O psychology, work psychology, organizational psychology, and occupational psychology too. The main focus of the study of Industrial-Organizational psychology is on the productivity of the workplace and other connected issues such as the physical and mental health of employees. Industrial organizational psychologists have to execute a broad variety of tasks, which include studying attitudes and behavior of workers, along with assessing companies and conducting leadership training.
Giving more info on Industrial-Organizational psychology, although this branch of psychology is an applied field, the basic theoretical research is also necessary. With its roots in experimental and differential psychology, I/O psychology comprises of a number of different sub-areas such as personnel psychology, human-computer interaction and human factors.
Industrial-organizational psychologists have a major role to play in an organization's success, as they help to improve the performance and well-being of its people. The job of an I-O psychologist is to research and identify how behaviors and attitudes of the workers can be improved. They make use of hiring practices, training programs, and feedback systems to achieve their goals. Other fields of within the scope of Industrial-organizational psychologists is Job analysis, Personnel recruitment and selection, Performance appraisal/management, Individual assessment , Remuneration and Compensation, Motivation in the workplace, the culture of Organizational, Group behavior, Job satisfaction and commitment, Productive behavior and so on.