It is the branch of psychology which deals with human behaviour under industrial conditions. It can be defined as the study of conduct of those who exchange the work of their hands and brains to earn their livelihood. It can also be defined as the study of human behaviour under business and industrial conditions in which research is carried on the behavioural problems that come up in an industrial environment. The development of this subject began in the 19th century and its scope enlarged in the 20th century. India, however, received attention only after independence.
To treat labour as a commodity is wrong as workers are not inanimates. The workers require good treatment. For many years, the relations between workers and employers remained strained. The workers were not willing to contribute their mite to the production. They required sympathies of officers and employer. Efficient workers required encouragement. Industrial psychology is an important aspect of human relation in the work of their hands and brains with the means to live. Labourers are to be treated in such a way that they should derive satisfaction from their job. Industrial psychology takes care to be see that the workers are happy and active.
MAIN OBJECTIVE OF INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY
· Industrial psychology aims to find the right man for the right job.
· It is concerned with vocational guidance.
· It tries to remove the fatigue by giving suitable pauses and rest.
· It deals with proper remuneration to be paid to workers.
· It aims at giving satisfaction to workers in performing their job.
· It deals with economic, social and psychological aspects of human behaviour.
· It also considers the physical aspect of working environments.
· It also studies aptitude and motives of the industrial and other workers.
· It aims at studying the mental health of workers.
· It attempts to bring humanitarian approach in industry.
· It helps in creating proper leadership in the industrial contexts.
· It helps in the field of industrial training to workers.
· It tries to keep up the high morale of workers.