Industrial-Organizational Psychology Overview

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and information from Industrial-Organizational Psychology, including theories, practices, historical developments, and legal aspects relevant to the field.

What is Industrial-Organizational Psychology?

A branch of psychology studying how human behavior and psychology affect work and how they are affected by work.

What are the main areas of Industrial Psychology?

Studies job characteristics, applicant characteristics, employee training, and performance appraisal.

What does Organizational Psychology focus on?

Studies interactions between people in organizations and their effects on productivity.

What is Human Factors Psychology?

Studies how workers interact with tools and designs to optimize productivity, safety, and health.

Who were the early pioneers of Industrial Psychology?

James Cattell, Hugo Munsterberg, and Walter Dill Scott.

What is the Hawthorne Effect?

The increase in performance of individuals who are observed and paid attention to.

What did Elton Mayo study?

Interpersonal relations, motivation, and organizational dynamics at Western Electric’s Hawthorne Works.

What is the importance of job analysis in selecting employees?

It accurately describes the task/job, helping match candidate skills with job requirements.

What is the difference between structured and unstructured interviews?

Structured interviews use the same set of questions for all candidates; unstructured interviews vary questions.

What factors influence job satisfaction?

Work content, autonomy, communication, and financial rewards.

What are the effects of job stress?

Poor health, job performance, and family life.

What is the purpose of performance appraisals?

To evaluate an employee’s success and motivate them to improve performance.

What is bias in hiring practices?

Selecting candidates based on group membership that doesn’t affect job performance.

What does the Equal Pay Act require?

Equal pay for men and women performing equal work in the same workplace.

What is the significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Prohibits discrimination based on disability and includes various disabilities.

Who is Douglas McGregor and what did he contribute?

Introduced Theory X and Theory Y management styles regarding worker motivation.

What is the team-based approach in organizations?

Structure allowing delegation of tasks to work teams for better collaboration.

What are observable artifacts in organizational culture?

Symbols, narratives, and practices that represent underlying cultural assumptions.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexually-based behavior that is unwanted and affects employment status or job performance.

What are the two types of sexual harassment?

Quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment.

What are warning signs of workplace violence?

Intimidating behavior, threats, and radical changes in behavior.

What is workplace safety?

Practices and regulations designed to reduce accidents and injuries in the workplace.

What role does technology play in I/O psychology?

Changes organizational structure, management roles, and employee work dynamics.

What encompasses job demands in organizational psychology?

Workplace conditions that exert pressure and expectations on employees.

What is the relationship between job security and workplace performance?

Job insecurity can lead to stress and decreased performance.

What factors can lead to work-family conflict?

Time, strain from work, and specific behaviors required by work.

What are the benefits of mentoring in employee training?

Increased job satisfaction and career advancement for protégés compared to non-mentored employees.

What is cognitive engineering in Human Factors Psychology?

Studies human software interactions in complex automated systems.

What are the pros and cons of diversity in teams?

Pros: Increases skill set; Cons: Can introduce communication problems.

What is the concept of strengths-based management?

Focuses on utilizing individuals' strengths for organizational growth.

What is the impact of organizational culture on employees?

Influences how an organization operates and how decisions are made.

What is the role of the EEOC?

Enforces federal laws against discrimination in employment.

What should a checklist in workplace safety include?

Critical safety checks essential for ensuring safe operations.