L1 - Introduction in Organisational Psychology Flashcards
Define organisational psychology
- The study of behaviour in work settings and the application of psychology principles to change work behaviour
- Also study how the environmental conditions can influence work behaviour
Describe the history of organisational psychology
Early 20th century.
Walter Dill Scott - one of the first organisational psychologists; formed one of the first consulting companies in the US
Hugo Munsterburg - one of the first forensic psychologists; advocated the use of psychological tests in selection
World War 1 and the testing movement - commissioned two intelligence tests for the placement of Army recruits (Alpha and Beta)
Hawthorn studies and motivational issues
World War 2
Later developments in organisation psychology
History of organisational psychology - who is Walter Dill Scott?
o Become one of the first organisational psychologists
o Formed one of the first consulting companies in the US
History of organisational psychology - who is Hugo Munsterburg?
o One of the first forensic psychologists
o Advocated the use of psychological tests in selection (how to best match people to jobs)
History of organisation psychology - involvement in WW1?
o US Army commissioned psychologists to devise two intelligence tests for the placement of Army recruits
Alpha – those who could read and write
Beta – those who couldn’t read and write, or English was a second language
o After the war, the tests were adapted for civilian use and new ones were designed for a variety of situations
History of organisational psychology - what were the Hawthorne studies and motivation issues found?
o In 1927, management wanted to boost productivity in the Hawthorne plant of Western Electric Company
o Put workers in test rooms and increased illumination levels for some workers
o Results: productivity increased in both rooms
o Made other changes
o RESULTS: it didn’t matter what changes they made, productivity levels always increased
What is the HAWTHORNE EFFECT? Is it successful?
o HAWTHORNE EFFECT: the classic Hawthorne studies apparently showed that worker productivity was increased by the attention paid to the workers
o BUT recent research has debunked the classic Hawthorne studies (FAKE NEWS)
History of organisational psychology - what were the later developments in organisational psychology?
o Dramatic growth in field corresponding with growth in US business and technical enterprise
o New technologies meant that employees needed training programs
o Organisational issues also assumed greater importance (e.g. human relations skills)
Define job analysis
- The procedure for determining the duties and skill requirements of a job and the kind of person who should be hired to do it
- The information obtained is then used for developing job descriptions and job specifications
Define job description
a list of what the job entails
Define job specification
a list of a job’s human requirements, or what kind of people to hire for the job
Why is it important to conduct a job analysis?
helps with:
recruiting and selection decisions; performance appraisal and promotion; job evaluation, wage and salary decisions; training requirements
Define subject matter expert (SME)
person who has direct, up-to-date experience with the job for a long enough time to be familiar with all of its tasks
E.g. the job incumbent; the supervisor; trained job analyst
What are the 8 methods for collecting job analysis information?
- Review written materials
- standardised measures
- job participation
- interviews
- job diaries / activity logs
- observations
- survey questionnaires
- focus groups
Evaluate the method for collecting job analysis information - REVIEW WRITTEN MATERIAL
a. Use previous job descriptions
b. Existing material should always be checked to ensure that it is contemporary and relevant
