Organizational Psychology
Section B
Organizational psychology - An applied field of psychology that focuses on employees in the
workplace. We apply psychological principles and research to improve overall work environment,
influence employee behavior’s and/ or provide solutions to human based problems.
Industrial revolution – A significant period, where intentions, technology, and discoveries changes the
status quo.
Each IR brings about change in;
o Energy sources
o Transport
o Communication
1st Industrial Revolution
- 1700s into 1800s – it was deemed the mechanical era/era of mechanization.
- Introduction of machinery and factories operating on coal – burn coal, produced steam –
steam powered turbines – generated electricity.
- The telegraph - communication
Approx. period Energy source Main Industries which Transport means
achievement benefited the
most
1760-1830 Coal, steam Steam engine Textile Train
(1800s)
2nd Industrial Revolution
- Introduction of mass production (*Ford)
- Oil started ti be used as fuel source (used to make petrol function the car) – transportation
changed & telephones
Approx. period Energy source Main Industries which Transport means
achievement benefitted most
1850-1914 Oil, petrol, Internal Metal, auto, Train, car
electricity combustion machine building
engine
3rd industrial revolution
- Use of computers, and introduction of the world wide web
Period Energy source Main Industries which Transport means
achievement benefitted most
1950-2000 Nuclear Computers, Auto, Chemistry Car, plane
robots
, Notes BUS1007S
4th Industrial revolution
- The IR arguably started around 2016 – ongoing
- The era will be characterized by more advanced AI, wireless technology, the internet and
continued focus on renewable energy.
- 6 advancements thus far; mobile supercomputing, intelligent robots, 3-D printing, self-driving
cars, neurotechnological brain implants & genetic editing
Approx. period Energy Source Main Industries Transport
achievement which means
benefitted most
2000s Green energies 3D printing, High tech Electric car,
genetic ultra-fast train
engineering
Risks and challenges of the 4th IR
Automation
- Supply and demand of skills
- Potential greater inequality – unskilled and semi-skilled laborer’s
- Already have high unemployment & illiteracy
Cybersecurity & hacking
- Need safeguard our personal information
Interconnectedness
- Loss of relationships
- Always ON
- Mental wellbeing concerns
Labor Market under strain
- Skills, jobs and locations don’t always match, limiting income earning opportunities for many
- Bigger divide between privileged and disadvantaged
Environmental impact concerns
- Global warming and climate change
- Organisations trying to focus on sustainable practices & renewable energy
- Growing population
- Rising costs of living