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Chapter 1: Historical Background of I/OLearning Objectives

• Explain how I/O psychology relates to the profession of psychology as a whole.

• Be able to identify the major fields of I/O psychology.

• Understand how and why psychologists are licensed.

• Learn the history of I/O psychology, including major people, events, and eras.

• Give the reasons for cross-cultural interest in I/O psychology.

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Figure 1-1 Timeline of major I/O psychology developments and world events.

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Figure 1-2 Badge worn by visitors to the Hawthorne Works of the Western Electric Company

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Chapter Summary

• Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology is one area of specialization within the broad profession of psychology.

• I/O psychologists generally function in one of two roles: scientists or practitioners.

• I/O psychology is practiced and studied throughout the world.

• The discipline of I/O psychology comprises several subfields.

• The history of I/O psychology is best represented by seven eras, the most recent being the Information Age (1994–present).

• Business is now conducted on a global scale, which presents many professional opportunities for I/O psychologists.

• The mandate of I/O psychology is to increase the fit between the workforce and theworkplace when the composition of both is rapidly changing. As work assumes amore central role in our lives, the need for I/O psychology to balance work and familyissues continues to grow.