An organizational psychologist studies such topics as:
a. an applicant’s qualifications for a job
b. the kind of mentality required to perform a job
c. whether cubicles or an open floor plan are more conducive to productivity
d. worker satisfaction, motivation, and commitment
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: d. worker satisfaction, motivation, and commitment
Explanation:
Organizational psychology, also known as industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, is the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace. Organizational psychologists apply psychological principles and research methods to understand and solve problems related to human behavior in professional environments. Their primary focus is on improving employee well-being and enhancing organizational performance.
The correct answer, “worker satisfaction, motivation, and commitment,” captures the core concerns of organizational psychologists. These professionals investigate how job satisfaction impacts performance and turnover, what motivates employees to give their best efforts, and how organizations can foster commitment and loyalty among their workforce. By studying these factors, organizational psychologists aim to create healthier, more productive work environments.
In contrast:
- Option a, “an applicant’s qualifications for a job,” falls more under the purview of personnel psychology, a subfield of I-O psychology focused on recruitment, selection, and assessment.
- Option b, “the kind of mentality required to perform a job,” touches on job analysis and cognitive demands, which is also relevant to personnel psychology and human factors psychology.
- Option c, “whether cubicles or an open floor plan are more conducive to productivity,” aligns more closely with environmental or human factors psychology, which considers the physical workspace’s design and how it influences behavior and performance.
While organizational psychologists may touch on these other areas in collaborative projects, their primary concern is with understanding and improving the psychological and social dynamics within organizations—including leadership, teamwork, job engagement, organizational culture, and employee development. By focusing on internal psychological states like motivation and satisfaction, they contribute to both individual well-being and organizational effectiveness.
