Baes, Daniella Isabelle M.

PSY1208- SEC 10
SALIENT POINTS
1. I/O Psychologist, in maintaining positive workplace environment and avoiding conflicts,
uses approach embedded on psychological principles which distinguishes it from any
other field.
2. To accomplish the goal of productivity in a workplace, there are 2 approaches used; (1)
industrial approach, used to determine and maintaining competencies among employees
and (2) organization approach that provides a culture that promotes motivation and
satisfaction among employees.
3. The field of I/O psychology has begun to grow rapidly since its emergence in the early
1900s
4. The practice of Hawthorne effect inside a workplace takes place whenever employees
changes behavior due to receiving much attention or is observed by higher management.
It is proven to give a major contribution in the field of psychology since then as it
explores the effects of employee attitude into the workplace.
5. I/O psychologist relies entirely on research rather than using intuition to make decisions.
6. The most important purpose of research in a workplace is it saves organizations money.
An I/O psychologist figure out methods on how companies will be able to raise their
profit. This monetary savings will useful in term of employees being satisfied and
productive knowing their company’s financial stability.
SUMMARY

Industrial and organizational psychology deals with the study of work behavior in
which the goal is to improve the psychological well-being of all employees and enhance
performance in the organization they work in. Research is offers great significance in the
work of I/O psychologists as it identifies solutions to company’s problem which will
improve productivity and competency among employees, which includes searching for
ways in order to increase company’s profitability.
Some historical contributions that led the continuous development of I/O
Psychology is that of the Gilbreths (Frank and Lilian Gilbreth), who were among the first
scientists to study the motions used by the workers in order to reduce fatigue and improve
productivity. With the succeeding years of discovery, the field finally thrived outside the
United States. During World Wars I and II, psychologists was involved in the
psychological testing of many recruits in order to determine work assignments. Due to
fluctuation on productivity, made them study the Hawthorne effect, the notion that
employee’s behavior changes as they are being observed and given much attention.
These contributions shape the field on how it will benefit today’s employees.
Employees can be more aware of their strengths and provides them an actionable plan in
order for them to be effective in their role of serving the company.
 SYNTHESIS
The field of I/O Psychology has begun to grow rapidly. Several trends have
emerged which led to some challenges. With this, it represents how research was proved
useful in the field. These trends begin from changing nature of work, expanding job
classifications due to reduction of workforce (e.g The Great Depression), to increasing
inclusivity and diversity in the workplace which promotes both challenges and
opportunities. Lastly, I/O Psychologist are having a huge impact on affecting and shaping
policies and practices in different countries.