Short Essay
Name
Institution
Short Essay
Human factors is one of the fastest growing areas of psychology, and is one of the few areas where a master’s degree is considered the standard for getting a senior level appointment in industry. You are asked to describe the field and its relationship to more traditional areas of psychology (e.g. social, developmental, cognitive, clinical, physiological etc.) to psychology majors who do not want to go on to a doctorate and are considering career options. Be sure to cover how it differs from classic I/O psychology
Human factors concentrates on the interface between humans and machines. It places the person at the center of the machine system. This means considering human necessities during the design of the system. The person ceases to be just the user of the machine. Instead, he becomes an integral part of the system. These considerations are necessary in eliminating the weaknesses and limitations of the humans and the systems. The person and the machine should be compatible with each other as this will help in compensating the weaknesses of the other and both of them can take advantage of each other’s strengths. This helps to increase productivity, efficiency, and performance. This field of psychology deals with diverse areas such as identification and reduction of human errors, design of the product, human and computer or machine interaction, workplace safety, and human capabilities. It is not just concerned with the machines and equipment, but it considers the work environments as well.
Psychologists in this field conduct in-depth studies on matters concerned with behaviors, perception, human interaction, and cognition. This is the main connection between human factors and other traditional areas of psychology. Research and experimentation are some of the core areas of psychology as psychologists seek to understand more about human behavior. Psychology also involves the study of the human thought and mind. Human factors is concerned with this study as it seeks to show how human mind relates to product design. Psychologists are able to gain knowledge, which they apply in product design. I/O psychology is concerned with achieving organizational objectives. It identifies the techniques that one can apply to increase organizational performance and improve work quality. It is concerned with the specific human behaviors and work systems, while human factors considers the improvement of tools, machines and equipment.
The CSU is undergoing a major organizational transformation in order to prepare for the 21st century. Business consultants have suggested that the system restructure to run more like a “business” and less like a traditional academic institution. So… What principles of organizational behavior should be applied to a new and improved CSU? What business practices in corporations are applicable to the mission of the university? Which ones are not particularly applicable? Why?
Businesses insist on performance and results. They take measures to improve their productivity. This means requiring additional training for their workers and ensuring that there are enough resources to realize their objectives. It also means taking measures that will improve their competitive edge. This means understanding their rivals from all angles. It many lead to reducing the prices to attract other customers as well as improving the services and products offered. This requires a thorough understanding of the market place and the industry requirements. Currently, many universities lock out students because of the high tuition fees. The university needs to understand that the students are their main customers. They contribute their profitability. Therefore, the institution needs to reduce its costs so that it can attract as many people as possible. One of the main factors that contribute to organizational success is insistence of responsibility. Every employee is made accountable for his actions and decisions. They have to use the resources they have effectively and realize the goals and objectives of the organization. Universities can do the same. The lecturers and every person involved have to be accountable and demonstrate how they are contributing to realizing the mission of the organization.
Insistence of
work deadlines can lead to workaholism and this can lead to workers
experiencing burnout. Many corporate businesses insist on profitability and
this can affects the structure and performance of the organization. It
determines the changes that need to be implemented so that the organization can
become more profitable. For instance, businesses lay off workers and take
measures that are directed towards satisfying the shareholders. Good businesses
recognize the importance of debt. It can affect the organization negatively or
positively. Universities should avoid accumulating debt that will overburden
them.
Reference:
Schultz, D., & Schultz, E. S. (2015). Psychology and work today, 10th ed. New York, NY: Routledge