Industrial and Organizational Psychology Part 1: What is it?

By: Jordan C. Kabins, Ph.D., MBA

Introduction

Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology is the bridge where human behavior meets workplace innovation. As a dynamic field, I/O psychology delves into the science of people at work, addressing critical aspects like employee well-being, workplace productivity, and organizational success. Emerging from the interests of psychology and workplace dynamics in the early 20th century, this field has evolved into a vital resource for businesses striving to succeed in today's constantly changing landscapes. In this blog, we'll explore the history of I/O psychology, its key applications, and why integrating it into your organization could be the key to unlocking untapped potential.

What is it?

Industrial and Organizational Psychology is a relatively new field, not officially named and recognized by the American Psychological Association until 1973. I perceive it in three parts:

• Industrial psychology, which used to be called personnel psychology, focuses on human resource tasks such as staff selection, training, performance evaluation, and job analysis/consultation.

• Organizational Psychology centers on improving the workplace, including motivation and job satisfaction, leadership and management, and the workplace environment, which includes culture, climate, policies, and operations.

• Human Factors and Ergonomics, the third part, is a field that evaluates how humans can be their most efficient selves in the workplace. It focuses on how people's work environment influences their performance or vice versa, and how an individual may affect their work environment or one's operational systems. This includes designing workspaces, tools, and equipment to fit the physical and cognitive capabilities of the workers, thereby enhancing their productivity and well-being.

Brief History Lesson

Business and Psychology have not always gone together. It was not until the early 1900s that professionals started utilizing psychology in the workplace. First, Walter Scott published The

Theory of Advertising, which applied psychological principles to business and marked one of the first explicit links between psychology and industry. This was followed by Frederick Winslow Taylor's publication, The Principles of Scientific Management, which emphasized efficiency in industrial settings. Although Frederick was not a psychologist, he created the foundation for I/O psychology.

During World War I, our military needed assistance in personnel selection. So, Robert Yerkes and Walter Dill Scott created assessments to help the military better assess recruits' abilities and place them into positions for individual and Country success.

Personnel selection is still of great concern for every organization today.

During World War II, I/O psychology grew even more prominent with our focus on training, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. The United States' Industrial might, largely influenced by I/O psychology, is still considered one of the leading factors in the Allies' victory in WWII. This historical example underscores the significant impact I/O psychology can have on a person, company, and even a country.

Conclusion

Industrial and Organizational Psychology is more than just a study of workplace behavior—it's a strategic tool for enhancing productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational success. Rooted in a rich history and evolving with modern challenges, I/O psychology offers actionable insights for businesses of all sizes. Whether it's optimizing hiring processes, fostering leadership, or improving workplace environments, integrating these principles can yield lasting benefits. By understanding and leveraging the science of work, organizations can unlock new levels of innovation and thrive in an ever-changing world. More details regarding how I/O psychologists are Used and Why you should care are in parts two and three.

Citations

Lefkowitz, J. (2012). Ethics in industrial–organizational psychology.

Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, S. E. (2020). Psychology and work today: An introduction to industrial and organizational psychology. Routledge.

Scott, W. D. (1907). The theory of advertising: A simple exposition of the principles of psychology in their relation to successful advertising. Small, Maynard.

Spector, P. E. (2021). Industrial and organizational psychology: Research and practice. John Wiley & Sons.

Taylor, F. W. (1911). The principles of scientific management. Noton & Company.