What is Organizational Psychology Letter - Essay Example

Organizational psychology has been in existence since the previous century - since factories began their operations. The owners of these factories aimed at gaining profits, and they did not consider the employees’ interest and well-being. Psychologists used their knowledge in testing employees in different occupations. Between 1924 and 1932, psychologist Harry Landsberger discovered that employees performed better when they felt that someone else was interested in their work, for instance, supervisors in white coats, who carried clipboards, were an inspiration to employees (Cogniphany, 2008).

The study of the history of organizational psychology informs us on how far we have come, and the importance of the previous ideas, which can determine the future of organizational psychology. Organizational psychology brought about change in work, after the First World War, the then industrial psychologists were interested in fatigue and efficiency, and researched on how to design work that would yield maximum profits (Furnham, 2005, p.62). However, the present organizational psychologists are interested in the well-being of employees, and the effect they have on the organization.

In 1960, McGregor differentiated between the assumptions that managers have on employees. Theory X stated that the supervision approach is determined by managers’ view on human nature. This theory insists that human beings hate working; therefore, they must be controlled or punished for organizational goals to be achieved. Therefore, high levels of control would be exercised by managers who support theory X. whilst theory Y insisted on the application of less control, this theory acknowledges that people view work as a natural activity, and therefore, they are committed to work if they are motivated with rewards (Furnham, 2005, p.67). The Hawthorne effect indicated that employees respond positively to change in the work