2478 Industrial/Organizational Psychology

PASIL, Mohamed Zayd

February 13, 2024

History of Industrial-Organizational Psychology, from inception to present date

Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology is a field of psychology that focuses on the scientific study of human behavior in
organizations and the workplace. Its history can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here is a brief overview of
the key milestones in the history of I-O psychology:

ROOTS IN EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

LATE The foundations of I-O psychology can be linked to the emerging field of experimental psychology, particularly the
19TH work of Wilhelm Wundt and his focus on studying mental processes and behavior in laboratory settings.
CENT
URY

RISE OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

The early 20th century saw the advent of scientific management, pioneered by Frederick Taylor.
EARLY
20TH Taylor's principles emphasized efficiency, productivity, and the systematic analysis of work tasks. This laid the
CENT groundwork for the application of psychological principles to the workplace.
URY

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WOR ARMY ALPHA TEST & BETA TEST
LD During World War I, psychologists such as Robert Yerkes and Walter Dill Scott played a crucial role in developing
WAR intelligence tests (Army Alpha and Beta tests) to assess and classify military personnel.
1 This marked the first significant involvement of psychologists in industrial settings.
(1914
-
1918)

HUMAN RELATIONS MOVEMENT

The Hawthorne studies conducted by Elton Mayo and his colleagues at Western Electric highlighted the
importance of social and human factors in the workplace.
1920s
TO This led to the Human Relations Movement, emphasizing the impact of social and psychological factors on
1930s employee productivity and satisfaction.

GROWTH AND EXPANSION

WOR
I-O psychology experienced substantial growth during World War II as psychologists were involved in personnel
LD
selection, training, and morale-building for the military. This wartime experience further solidified the role of I-O
WAR
psychology in applied settings.
2
(1939
)

POST EMERGENCE OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

WOR The post-war period saw the emergence of organizational psychology and behavior as distinct subfields within I-O
LD psychology.
WAR Researchers explored topics such as leadership, motivation, and group dynamics in organizational settings.
2
(1946
)

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 ERA OF LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
During this period, I-O psychologists began to address legal and ethical issues related to employment practices,
1960s
leading to the development of guidelines and standards for professional conduct.
TO
1970s

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES AND GLOBALIZATION

Advances in technology and the increasing globalization of businesses have influenced the practice of I-O
psychology.
1980s
TO The field has expanded to address issues such as diversity, work-life balance, and the impact of technology on the
2020s workplace.

CONTINUED EVOLUTION
TO I-O psychology continues to evolve, with a focus on topics such as employee well-being, diversity and inclusion,
2020s talent management, and the application of data analytics to human resources. The field remains dynamic,
AND adapting to the changing nature of work and organizations.
BEYO
ND

Throughout its history, industrial-organizational psychology has played a crucial role in enhancing workplace practices and
understanding the complexities of human behavior in organizational settings.

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