What is the primary focus of industrial-organizational psychology?

Industrial-organizational psychology primarily focuses on applying psychological principles to enhance workplace performance, productivity, and employee well-being. Professionals in this field use theories and methods from psychology to address various workplace issues, such as employee motivation, job satisfaction, training and development, and organizational culture. By doing so, they aim to improve both the individual employee's experience and the overall efficiency of organizations.

This focus on practical application distinguishes industrial-organizational psychology from other fields. While understanding mental illnesses in the workplace is important, it doesn't encompass the broader scope of improving workplace dynamics and performance. Similarly, consumer behavior is more aligned with marketing and business psychology rather than the core functions of industrial-organizational psychology, which specifically targets organizational environments. Lastly, while historical psychological theories provide foundational knowledge, they do not represent the primary goal of directly influencing and enhancing workplace practices today.