Final answer:
Frederick W. Taylor is recognized as the "father of industrial psychology," known for his influential book, 'The Principles of Scientific Management,' which laid the groundwork for modern industrial psychology by emphasizing efficiency, personnel selection, and worker training.
Step-by-step explanation:
Frederick W. Taylor: The Father of Industrial Psychology
The individual widely recognized as the "father of industrial psychology" is Frederick W. Taylor. Taylor, an engineer, embraced the ideas of scientific management and believed in optimizing the workplace to benefit both the employer and employees. His seminal work, The Principles of Scientific Management, introduced in 1911, established the foundation for industrial psychology by emphasizing the importance of personnel selection, training, and efficiency in the work process. He formulated time-motion studies to refine production processes and advocated for management to determine the work routine in order to streamline operations and reduce waste. While some workers resisted Taylor's methods, others appreciated the potential for higher wages linked to increased productivity. Taylor's work heavily influenced both the private sector and the government, particularly during the Progressive Era where the principle of efficiency, informed by scientific analysis, became a cornerstone of business strategy.