Organizational Psychology Paper Psy 428
Organizational Psychology Paper
Shanna Brookins
PSY/428
12/12/2011
Organizational Psychology Paper
Introduction
Organizational psychology is the study of a formal organization and how individuals and groups act within that organization; in other words, the scientific study of the workplace. The goal of organizational psychology is to help organizations function the best way possible. This is achieved by helping people understand their interactions with each other and create an environment where everyone can work together to accomplish important goals. When an organization is successful, the employees have better job satisfaction. In turn, this creates better productivity which allows products and services to be produced at a lower price. This savings can be passed along to the customers therefore having a positive effect on everyone. (Jex, 2008).
An industrial-organizational psychologist studies different aspects of the work environment, such as leadership, job satisfaction, on the job stress, and communication among employees. An industrial-organizational psychologist is brought in by organizations as consultants to solve particular problems. They apply research methods and psychological principles to improve productivity, management and marketing problems, as well as facilitate organizational development and change, and identify training and development needs. I/O psychologists often work for more than one organizational setting; they may also choose to teach in universities and colleges (Jex, 2008).
Two Sides of I/O Psychology The industrial side of I/O psychology concentrates on organizational policies and processes that affect the employees on a personal level, it is sometimes called the “personnel psychology” (McCarthy, 1999). Industrial psychology uses statistics, psychometrics, as well as quantitative tools to develop rating scales, interview techniques, and psychological test. These tests are used to measure skills for the purpose of
Shanna Brookins
PSY/428
12/12/2011
Organizational Psychology Paper
Introduction
Organizational psychology is the study of a formal organization and how individuals and groups act within that organization; in other words, the scientific study of the workplace. The goal of organizational psychology is to help organizations function the best way possible. This is achieved by helping people understand their interactions with each other and create an environment where everyone can work together to accomplish important goals. When an organization is successful, the employees have better job satisfaction. In turn, this creates better productivity which allows products and services to be produced at a lower price. This savings can be passed along to the customers therefore having a positive effect on everyone. (Jex, 2008).
An industrial-organizational psychologist studies different aspects of the work environment, such as leadership, job satisfaction, on the job stress, and communication among employees. An industrial-organizational psychologist is brought in by organizations as consultants to solve particular problems. They apply research methods and psychological principles to improve productivity, management and marketing problems, as well as facilitate organizational development and change, and identify training and development needs. I/O psychologists often work for more than one organizational setting; they may also choose to teach in universities and colleges (Jex, 2008).
Two Sides of I/O Psychology The industrial side of I/O psychology concentrates on organizational policies and processes that affect the employees on a personal level, it is sometimes called the “personnel psychology” (McCarthy, 1999). Industrial psychology uses statistics, psychometrics, as well as quantitative tools to develop rating scales, interview techniques, and psychological test. These tests are used to measure skills for the purpose of
References: Industrial and Organizational Psychology . (2008). Retrieved December 11, 2011, from AllPsychlogyCareers.com http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/industrial-organizational-psychology.html Ehigie, B. &. (2005). Applying Qualitative Methods in Organizations: A Note for Industrial/Organizational Psychologists. The Qualitative Report Volume 10 Number 3, 621-638. Jex, S. &. (2008). Organized Psychology. Hoboken,NJ: Wiley. McCarthy, D. (1999, December 8). I/O Psychology Overview notes. Retrieved December 10, 2011, from MTSU: http://frank.mtsu.edu/~pmccarth/io_ovrvw.htm