DEFINITION:
The phrase “industrial and organizational psychology (I-O Psy)” refers to a field or subdiscipline of psychology which focuses on the phenomenon of work in relation to the lives of individuals and the workings of organizations.
ETYMOLOGY:
The concept and the phrase I-O Psy were developed during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, most notably by the German-born American psychologist Hugo Münsterberg (1863–1916) of Harvard University, culminating in his book, Psychology and Industrial Efficiency, published in 1913. Other contributors to the field during the same time period include the American psychologists James McKeen Cattell (1860–1944) of Columbia and Walter Dill Scott (1869–1955) of Northwestern, among others.
Interestingly, Münsterberg, Cattell, and Scott had all been students of the great German physiologist and pioneer of modern psychology, Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920), at the University of Heidelberg.
The English adjective “industrial” is attested from the late sixteenth century, while the associated noun “industry” is a century older. Both terms ultimately derive, via Middle English and Middle French, from the Classical Latinadjective industrius, meaning “diligent,” “painstaking,” or “industrious.”
The English adjective “organizational” is attested from the late nineteenth century, while the associated noun “organization” and verb “to organize” are both attested from the fifteenth century. All three words derive, via Middle English, fromthe Old English word organa, meaning “mouth organ,” “wind instrument,” “instrument (of any sort),” “differentiated structure,” “subordinate group,” or “organization.”
Organa, in turn, ultimately derives from the Latin word organum, meaning “musical instrument,” “(general) instrument,” or “implement.” Organum, in turn, is related to the Greek noun organon, meaning “instrument,” “implement,” “tool,” or “engine.” Organon is also related to the Greek word ergon, meaning “work” or “deed.”
For the etymology of the term “personality,” see the Glossary article, personality.
For the etymology of the term “disorder,” see the Glossary article, borderline personality disorder.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of I-O Psy is to improve our understanding, as well as the effectiveness, of the physical and psychological well-being, both of individuals in their capacity as workers and of the organizations to which they belong.
I-O Psy is an applied field. This means that I-O psychologists are trained to work both as theoretical scientists/researchers and as practical consultants/managers.
On the theoretical side, I-O psychologists apply theories and principles to organizations and the individuals who make them up, both as workers and as members of management.
I-O psychologists contribute to an organization’s success by researching and testing employees’ attitudes, behaviors, emotions, motivation, and stress in their work environment. On the basis of their findings, investigators disseminate the most-effective ways and means of improving the health, safety, well-being, motivation, job performance, and job satisfaction of employees.
On the practical side, I-O psychologists are concerned with such problems as how such theoretical recommendations can best be implemented through changes in management systems, recruitment processes, training programs, feedback, and so on.
I-O Psy research and practice may also encompass such wider concerns as selecting a career, beginning a new job, work and family balance, burnout, unemployment, and retirement.