Final answer:
Organizational behavior specifically examines workplace dynamics and is more focused on the interactions and social processes within a company, while psychology studies individual mental processes and sociology looks at societal influences on behavior. Subfields like industrial psychology and human factors psychology highlight the breadth of research and applications in organizational behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of organizational behavior differs from other social sciences like psychology and sociology in its unique focus. While psychology and sociology are both interested in human behavior, psychology concentrates on how the mind impacts behavior, with a keen interest in mental processes and emotional functioning. Conversely, sociology looks at how society influences behavior, examining social institutions, cultural norms, and group interactions. Organizational psychology is a specialized branch that examines the social dynamics within a workplace setting. It focuses on job satisfaction, management styles, leadership, organizational culture, and teamwork - all as they relate to the performance of individuals and the organization as a whole. Industrial psychology, on the other hand, looks into job requirements, employee selection, and training, while also dealing with the legal aspects of hiring practices and workplace discrimination. Another critical subfield, human factors psychology, or ergonomics, investigates the interaction between workers, their tools, and environments to optimize efficiency, safety, and well-being. This specialization is particularly interested in the design of workplace tools and ensuring regulatory compliance for worker safety.