Final answer:
The method focused on analyzing the elemental tasks or units of work and emphasizing their purpose is Functional Job Analysis (FJA). This practice is vital in the field of Industrial-Organizational psychology for effective job design, selection, and employee development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method that involves elemental tasks or units of work with emphasis on the purpose of each task is referred to as Functional Job Analysis (FJA). FJA is a methodology used to break down jobs into their individual components and assesses the importance, frequency, and difficulty of these tasks. It is used by organizations and professionals in the field of Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology to identify and describe job functions, setting a clear framework for both hiring and performance appraisal. Using observation, surveys, and interviews, I-O psychologists and human resource professionals can gather detailed information on job roles.
Task Inventory Analysis is another approach related to job analysis that consists of generating a comprehensive list of tasks that are performed within a specific job. This also includes rating each task by its frequency and criticality in the performance of the job. In the context of I-O psychology, these analyses help ensure proper job design, selection of employees, and employee development and appraisal processes, effectively matching individuals' skills and traits to job requirements.