Industrial Psychology

 

Industrial psychology is a branch of psychology that applies the theories and principles of psychology to the organizations. Industrial psychologists focus on the productivity of the workplace and the physical and mental well – being of the employees.

Industrial / Organizational psychologists have to perform a variety of tasks for evaluating the companies, studying behavior and worker’s attitude, training leadership programs for employees etc. The main goal of this field is to study and understand human behavior in the workplace. Industrial psychology also includes range of scientific methods including quantitative and qualitative research.

Therefore, industrial psychology is also known as occupational psychology or organizational psychology.

In 2020, currently industrial psychology is one of the 17 recognized professional specialities by the American Psychological Association (APA) in the United States. Industrial psychologists are also responsible for the recruitment process for the company.

History of Industrial / Organizational Psychology

The early historical development in industrial psychology was observed in the US, UK, Australia, the Netherlands, and Eastern European countries such as Russia.

The Industrial / organizational psychology was started nearly in the beginning of psychology as a science, when Wilhelm Wundt founded the first lab of psychology in 1879 in Leipzig, Germany. Wundt also trained two psychologists Hugo Munsterberg and James McKeen Cattell, both of them had a major influence on the emergence if industrial / organizational psychology.

Some of the important personalities if industrial / organizational psychology history are -:

• Fredrick W Taylor -: He was a mechanical engineer who had published a very influential book on inspiring industrial efficiency.
• Hugo Munsterberg -: He was an applied psychologist who wrote about how psychology could be used for industrial or organizational purpose. His contribution impacted the early development of field.
• James McKeen Cattell -: He was a researcher who was finding that how individual difference influence human behaviour.
• Kurt Lewin -: he was also an applied psychologist who had discussed about the number of leadership styles that people may exhibit.
• Robert Yerkes -: He was known for his work in the field of intelligence testing. Alpha and beta intelligence test was developed by him for the US army which was used to recruit during WWI. Scores obtained for the test was used to obtain respondent’s capabilities.

Role of Industrial / Organizational Psychologist

• Improve hiring process -: This is one of the greatest reason that big companies hire the industrial psychologists to improve the process they use for hiring and retaining employees. For e.g. They help to design the screening process to hire new employers. They also work with new employers to help them to understand their key job responsibilities.
• Address human resource issues -: The need of Industrial / organizational psychologist has been increased in the HR department as the insight of a qualified psychologist can benefit the company. I / O psychologist also work with the employees who ate facing a stressful work environment or difficulties with co-worker.
• Seek ongoing professional development -: Like other psychology disciplines I /O is also expanding. Every year new theories and practices emerge so experts have to keep their skills sharp to stay ahead. Staying in the touch of new strategies and techniques help the psychologist to serve better to their employers according to American Psychology Association (APA).
• Increase workplace productivity -: The role of I / O psychologist is also to improve the work place productivity. For this they keep on organizing new programs and parties for refreshment and enjoyment of employers. They also organize various training programs for the skill improvement of the employees and competitions are also organized which leads to bigger rewards for the winning employers.
• Well – being of the employers -: The role of I /O psychologist is also to keep the physical as well as mental well – being of the employers. The I / O psychologist help employers who are facing difficulties at work place or personal life. Therefore, the well – being of the employers is the responsibility of I / O psychologist.

The educational requirements of becoming Industrial / Organizational psychologist -:

B.A / BSc in psychology and MA in Industrial psychology

Note -: At some place doing extra diploma courses after masters may be the criteria.