Integrating Organizational Behavior Management with Industrial and Organizational Psychology

C. Merle Johnson · Terry Beehr

Sept 2013 · Routledge

About this eBook

This book examines the intersection of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology). It argues that, whilst OBM and I/O Psychology have developed simultaneously, they have done so with minimal integration. I/O Psychology, a somewhat older field, has evolved to become widely accepted, both influencing management and social sciences and being affected by them. It can be viewed as a research-oriented subject that is closely aligned with human resources functions. With regards to the intersection of I/O Psychology with OBM, some practices are more closely related than others; and of those that are related, some are relatively consistent with OBM practices, while others are very inconsistent. Most I/O Psychology interventions focus on many people simultaneously, seeking to ensure that one intervention affects multiple employees as a cost-efficient way to improve organizations, while OBM is usually better than I/O Psychology at improving the behaviors of individuals and smaller groups or workers.

This book provides a framework for understanding differences and similarities between I/O Psychology and OBM, and as such is an innovative compendium for students, scholars, applied psychologists, and human resource specialists. It was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management.

About the author

C. Merle Johnson is a Professor of Psychology at Central Michigan University, USA. He serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management and the Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies. His research concerns organizational behaviour management, treatment of sleep disorders in children, behavioural pediatrics, and assessment & treatment of children who have low-incidence disabilities.

Terry A. Beehr is Professor and Director of the Ph.D. Program in I/O Psychology at Central Michigan University, USA. He currently serves as an
associate editor on three journals and is on the editorial boards of four more. His research emphases include stress, retirement, career development, leadership, and motivation in organizations.