Oona wants to conduct research on personnel management, workplace environment, and what type of environment results in high levels of employee productivity and efficiency. Oona should conduct research in the area of psychology.
existential-phenomenological
industrial-organizational
clinical
theoretical
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Explanation:
Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology is the field of psychology that focuses on understanding human behavior in the workplace and applying psychological principles to improve employee productivity, efficiency, and overall workplace satisfaction. This area of research is specifically tailored to address questions related to personnel management, workplace environment, and optimizing work conditions to enhance organizational performance.
I-O psychology encompasses two main domains: the industrial side and the organizational side. The industrial side focuses on personnel management, including recruitment, selection, training, and performance appraisal. It involves identifying the skills, abilities, and traits required for specific roles and designing effective training programs to enhance employee competency. By studying factors like job fit and skill development, researchers in this field help create systems that improve workforce efficiency.
The organizational side, on the other hand, explores the impact of workplace environment, culture, and leadership styles on employee motivation, satisfaction, and productivity. Researchers investigate how factors such as team dynamics, communication, and work-life balance influence employee engagement and retention. They also study interventions to reduce stress and burnout, ensuring employees remain motivated and efficient.
Oona’s interest in exploring what type of environment fosters high levels of productivity and efficiency aligns perfectly with I-O psychology’s focus on optimizing workplace conditions. This field relies on empirical research methods to develop evidence-based practices, such as designing incentive programs, enhancing leadership training, and fostering collaborative work cultures.
I-O psychology also emphasizes the well-being of employees, recognizing that a positive workplace environment is key to achieving sustained productivity. By studying and applying findings from this field, Oona can create strategies to balance organizational goals with employee satisfaction, leading to a harmonious and effective workplace.