Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Teams, KSAOs, and Leadership

What is Industrial Organizational Psychology?

The scientific study of work that focuses on understanding and measuring human behavior to create 'good work'.

What does 'good work' entail?

Work in which individuals express a high degree of expertise, excellence, and concern for their co-workers, company, and wider world.

What are some key areas of study in IO Psychology?

Training, Selection, DEI work/Culture Development, Teams, Leadership.

What does KSAOs stand for?

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other characteristics.

What is meant by 'Knowledge' in KSAOs?

The body of factual or procedural information that can be applied, such as knowledge of foreign languages or computer programming.

How are 'Skills' defined in KSAOs?

Capabilities required to perform tasks accurately, such as typing speed or driving ability.

What are 'Abilities' in the context of KSAOs?

Stable characteristics that can include cognitive, sensory, and physical abilities, such as empathy.

What do 'Other characteristics' refer to in KSAOs?

Traits that do not fit into the other categories, including values, work style, personality, and degrees and certifications.

What are the ABCs of Teams?

Affective States, Behavioral Processes, Cognitive Processes.

What is Team Cohesion?

Forces exerted on a group or team that push its members closer together.

What is Team Efficacy?

The feeling that the team can accomplish the given task.

What is the significance of Communication Patterns in teams?

They determine who talks to whom within a network of individuals and affect team performance.

What is a Shared Mental Model?

Knowledge that is held in common with team members.

What is a Transactive Memory System?

Knowledge of the distribution of information within teams, knowing who to go to for certain knowledge.

What is a Multiteam System (MTS)?

A system of teams that have overarching 'superordinate' goals requiring coordinated efforts of multiple specialized teams.

What are key points about Multiteam Systems?

MTSs appear in important task contexts that are ambiguous and demand urgency; goal specialization helps clarify roles.

What is the IPO Model in team dynamics?

Input-Process-Output model that describes how team cohesion, efficacy, and behavior interact.

What is the IMOI Model?

Input-Mediator-Output model that includes communication patterns, backup behavior, and cognition.

How does IO Psychology aim to improve workplaces?

By enhancing employee satisfaction, improving selection and promotion processes, and generally making the workplace better.

What trend is mentioned regarding work and happiness?

There is a trend towards understanding how to make people happier at work, influenced by movements like FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early).

What is the relationship between team performance and the sum of its parts?

Teamwork performance is not merely the product of the sum of its parts.