Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology
Psychology at Work
Motivation and Performance
I/O Psychology applies psychological theories to the workplace. A key area is employee motivation. Vroom's Expectancy Theory suggests that motivation is a mathematical product of three factors: If any of these variables is zero, overall motivation will be zero.
Industrial vs. Organizational Psychology
Industrial Psychology
- Focuses on measuring individual differences
- Involves recruitment, selection, and placement
- Deals with performance appraisal and training
Organizational Psychology
- Focuses on the organization as a whole system
- Involves leadership, teamwork, and organizational culture
- Deals with employee motivation, satisfaction, and stress
Components of Expectancy Theory
| Component | Definition | Example Question |
|---|---|---|
| Expectancy | Belief that effort will lead to performance | If I work hard, will I produce high-quality work? |
| Instrumentality | Belief that performance will lead to outcomes | If I produce high-quality work, will I get a bonus? |
| Valence | The value placed on the outcome | Do I actually want the bonus being offered? |
The Hawthorne Effect
A foundational concept in I/O psychology where individuals alter their behavior in response to being observed. It highlights the importance of social and psychological factors in workplace productivity.
In Vroom's Expectancy Theory, what does 'Valence' refer to?
Valence is the subjective value an individual places on a particular outcome or reward.
Correct answer: The value or desirability of the reward to the individual
What phenomenon describes an increase in worker productivity simply because they are being observed by researchers?
The Hawthorne effect occurs when people change their behavior because they know they are being studied or observed.
Correct answer: Hawthorne effect