Unit 1: Foundations & Human Resources

Description: This unit introduces the foundational concepts of Industrial/Organizational psychology and focuses on individual-level processes in human resource management. We begin by exploring the history and scope of I/O psychology, then examine the scientific methods used to study workplace behavior. The unit progresses through the essential HR functions of analyzing jobs, selecting appropriate assessment tools, and making hiring decisions.

Why This Unit is Important: This unit provides the scientific foundation for understanding workplace behavior – knowledge that will serve you whether you become a counselor, therapist, or work in any organizational setting. Most counseling professionals work within organizations (clinics, hospitals, community centers, group practices) where understanding how to select good colleagues, analyze job requirements, and design fair hiring processes directly impacts your work environment and career success.

Students planning counseling careers often don’t realize they’ll frequently encounter clients whose presenting problems stem from workplace issues – toxic managers, poor job fit, discrimination, or organizational stress. Understanding the science behind these problems makes you a more effective counselor. Additionally, many psychology graduates find themselves in supervisory roles or managing their own practices, where these HR principles become essential practical skills.

The unit covers the fundamental building blocks of effective workplace systems – from understanding what jobs really require to selecting the right people to fill them. Whether you’re hiring support staff for your private practice, working as part of a treatment team, or helping clients navigate workplace challenges, these evidence-based approaches will enhance your professional effectiveness and help you create healthier work environments.

 Unit Learning Objectives: By the end of this unit students will be able to…

• ULO1: Evaluate the historical development and scope of I/O psychology and its applications in modern organizations. (CLO1, APA1)
• ULO2: Apply scientific research methods to workplace problems and critically evaluate I/O psychology research. (CLO2, APA2)
• ULO3: Analyze job requirements and design effective job analysis procedures for different organizational contexts. (CLO1, CLO4, APA1, APA5)
• ULO4: Evaluate different types of predictors and assessment tools used in employee selection. (CLO1, CLO2, APA1, APA2)
• ULO5: Design and critique employee selection systems that are both effective and legally compliant. (CLO4, APA2, APA5)