Final answer:
Jim is partaking in group training, a technique of organizational development that focuses on improving interpersonal behavior and job performance through feedback and observation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jim's employer is employing a type of organizational development technique known as group training, which is a component of industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology. This technique allows employees to explore their interpersonal behavior within a group setting and receive constructive, nonjudgmental feedback. Such training may resemble unstructured group therapy and is particularly effective in enhancing job performance and encouraging personal growth within a company.
Fostering an environment where employees can receive feedback is critical for their development. Research has indicated that various training methods, including immediate feedback, behavioral assessments, and measuring the resulting business outcomes such as productivity and profitability, are effective in improving employee performance. Moreover, the Hawthorne effect suggests that employees perform better when they are observed and receive attention, implying that Jim's group training scenario could lead to enhanced performance.