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Who is known as the "father of industrial psychology" because of his revolutionary ideas on studying human behavior in workplaces?

Henri Fayol

User David Go
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Final answer:

The title "father of industrial psychology" is often attributed to Hugo Münsterberg.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hugo Münsterberg was a German-American psychologist who made significant contributions to the field of psychology, particularly in the context of applying psychological principles to the workplace. His work, particularly his book "Psychology and Industrial Efficiency," published in 1913, is considered groundbreaking in the field of industrial psychology.

Münsterberg's ideas emphasized the application of psychology to various aspects of industry and work, including employee selection, training, and productivity. He advocated for the use of psychological testing and assessment in personnel selection, as well as the importance of understanding human behavior and motivation in work settings. His work laid the foundation for the development of industrial and organizational psychology, a subfield that continues to study and apply psychological principles in workplaces to enhance efficiency, job satisfaction, and overall organizational success. Münsterberg's pioneering contributions earned him the title of the "father of industrial psychology."

User Harshal Dhumal
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Final answer:

Frederick W. Taylor is recognized as the 'father of industrial psychology' due to his significant contributions to the field, particularly through his work on time and motion studies and his book on scientific management, laying the foundation for what became industrial and organizational psychology.

Step-by-step explanation:

Who is Known as the "Father of Industrial Psychology"

The "father of industrial psychology" is often recognized to be Frederick W. Taylor because of his influential work in studying human behavior in workplaces, notably through his book The Principles of Scientific Management. Taylor conceptualized the systematic study of workers and their environments through time and motion studies aimed at improving efficiency by breaking down tasks into measurable units.

This research eventually evolved into a key component of industrial and organizational psychology, touching on topics like management theory, personnel selection, employee training, and identifying the most effective ways to design workplace processes to maximize productivity and satisfaction for both employers and employees.

In parallel to the development of industrial psychology, other psychologists such as James Cattell, Hugo Münsterberg, and Walter Dill Scott also made significant strides in the field. Moreover, the Hawthorne Studies by Elton Mayo steered the focus towards organizational dynamics and the importance of psychological and social factors in the workplace. This broadening of scope marked the origin of organizational psychology alongside industrial psychology as part of the larger domain of I-O psychology.

Diverse studies on job satisfaction, job analysis, workplace culture, and leadership styles contributed significantly to the advancement of both industrial and organizational psychology. It should be noted that while Frederick Taylor had a substantial impact on industrial psychology, later developments and the inclusion of organizational aspects shaped the field of I-O psychology into what it is today.

User John Debs
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