Business Psychology: Psychological Approaches and Reflective Journals

This report explores the different psychological approaches in business psychology and focuses on the development of core skills through reflective journals. It discusses the importance of time management, team-working, and written communication skills in the workplace.

Business Psychology

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Psychological approaches............................................................................................................1
Reflective Journals.......................................................................................................................2
Action plan...................................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Business Psychology refers to a practice through which improvement in work life can be
facilitated (Abosag, Yen and Barnes, 2016). It analyses the approaches available to identify the
change in human behaviours. It tries to understand the way initiation of different types of human
behaviours within an organization. It is required in order to identify the impact which is put on
the behaviours due to the influence of various types of situations and circumstances. It identifies
the impact which is put on the performance due to behaviours. In this report, there will be a
detailed analysis of different types of skills. It will focus on various types of psychological
approaches, reflection on skills. Additionally, it will analyse the action plan which is required for
development of these skills in a highly effective manner.
MAIN BODY
Psychological approaches
In psychology there are various types of approaches which are used. These approaches
are explained as follows-
Physiological approach- In this approach, it is assumed that there are various types of
biological factors which can create an influence on behaviour and well-being of a person
(Aguinis and et.al., 2017). The physical and mental well-being of a person can influence the
behaviour which is displayed. Therefore in a workplace this can be very helpful for the managers
to be able to understand self and others because through the physical and mental condition the
managers will be able to understand the way behaviour is initiated.
Evolutionary approach- This approach is used in order to understand the reasons behind
the initiation of behaviours (Fuller and et.al., 2016). It broadly understands the evaluation of
personality of a person in a highly effective manner. Thus, in a workplace this can be useful for
the managers so that they can understand self and others.
Behavioural approach- According to this approach, it is understood that behaviour of
people within the organization is influenced by the external environment (Gebhardt, 2016). Any
dynamic changes which are witnessed in this environment are likely to put an influence on the
behaviours of people in the company. Therefore, in a workplace this can be helpful for the
management so that they are able to understand self and others.
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Cognitive approach- In psychology, this approach is used to identify the cognitive
processes which can initiate a person's behaviour in a particular way (Grand and et.al., 2018). In
a workplace, the use of this method can be made so that behaviours of self and others can be
understood in an effective manner.
Humanistic approach- The use of this approach can be made to understand the factors
which are able to motivate the human beings towards high performance in order to achieve the
desired results (Lord and et.al., 2017). This method can be used in an effective manner in a
workplace so as to understand the behaviour of self and others.
Psychodynamic approach- When this approach is used in psychology, it analyses the
role which dynamics play in the influence of behaviours of people within an organization
(Moratis, 2016). Thus the use of this method is quite important for the managers to be able to
understand the behaviour of self and others.
Thus, it can be stated that the use of the above approaches is quite crucial from the point
of view of the managers to effectively understand self and others within an organization in an
effective manner (Strike, Michel and Kammerlander, 2018). In this way they will be in a position
where they can take better decisions.
Reflective Journals
Core skill-
Time Management is the core skill which I want to develop. It is a skill in which the right use of
time is done to achieve the results which are desired (Håkanson and et.al., 2016). It is needed in
order to increase the level of efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. With the better use of
time it can be ensured that the goals and objectives which are set can be achieved. As a student
studying in the university it is important for me to be able to understand it and implement it in
my learning process.
Reason for selection of this skill and its importance-
The reason why I want to select Time Management is that I wish to manage my time in an
effective manner as a student studying in the university. I wish to achieve higher grades in my
assignments and want to be successful in the future by securing a good job. For this there is a
requirement that I am able to manage my time in an effective manner.
Reflection on current competence-
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Currently I manage my time in an effective manner. However I believe that I should improve
myself in mastering this skill because I want to be a bright student and achieve higher marks in
my assignments and projects. I have assessed by competence by self-assessing myself and
taking the feedbacks from my friends and teachers. This has helped me in judging myself in an
effective manner and identifying the scope which is available in order to improve.
Contradictions-
From my self-analysis I have found out that there are major contradictions in the way I see
myself and the way others see me. Earlier, I thought that I was perfect in Time Management
and there was no need for me to improve. But Now I think that there is a considerable scope for
me to be able to improve in this skill effectively and efficiently. Thus these contradictions have
helped me a lot to identify the potential areas for facilitation of improvement.
Help provided by this skill in the future-
The use of this skill will help me a lot in the future by ensuring that I am able to manage my
time properly. I will be able to achieve good marks in my exams through the effective use of
this skill. According to Ziukov, 2016 there is a requirement of ensuring Time Management to
be able to make prudent use of time to ensure that efficiency, effectiveness and productivity
level can be boosted. Thus this skill will be very important to achieve the desired success in the
future.
Core Skill-
The core skill which I want to develop is Team-working. This is a skill which can be developed
by being a part of the team and ensuring that cooperation and coordination can be maintained in
an effective manner with the team members (Islam, 2020). This helps in working in a better
way as a team to facilitate the achievement of team goals and objectives and to contribute
towards the success of the organization by putting right efforts.
Reason for selection of this skill-
The reason why I have selected this skill for improvement is that in the university we are given
several projects and assignments to work on which are relevant to the course which we are
studying. Therefore I need to work as a team member in different types of teams for the
completion of these projects and assignments. In this way I will be able to ensure that I can help
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in the achievement of organizational goals and objectives.
Current Competence-
At present, I have the skill of team-working. This skill is quite important for me because by
working as a part of a team there is so much which an individual is able to learn and
understand. I have taken the feedback from my teachers and friends and I am now able to
understand that there is a scope of improvement for me in this skill to make myself even more
better.
Contradictions-
There have been contradictions related to this skill. Earlier, I thought that as a team member I
was quite good in performing and discharging my duties in an effective manner. However after
considerable interaction with my team members I have found out that I was lacking in
communication, cooperation and coordination. Thus there was a need for me to improve on
certain aspects through which teamwork can be maintained in an effective manner. This is
important so that goals and objectives can be achieved as a student by excelling in academics.
Help provided by this skill in the future-
In the future, this skill will be highly helpful for ensuring my self-development. According to
Willcocks, 2018 the use of this skill should be made to ensure that the teams are able to achieve
the goals and objectives which are set out for them. Also the skill will be helpful for me to be
able to ensure that I communicate in a better way, cooperate and coordinate so that the team
works in the right manner and assignments and projects can be completed on time.
Core Skill-
The core skill which I want to develop is Written Communication. This skill is quite important
to ensure that I am able to communicate much better in a formal way whenever desired during
the course of my studies in the university (Keith and et.al., 2016). In this way I think that I will
be able to ensure that I can identify the ways through which I can coordinate and communicate
with my colleagues when I get a job after the completion of my studies. This skill is essential to
ensure my self-development and enhancement of my motivation level.
Reason for selection of this skill-
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The reason why I want to select this skill is that I have found out that I can considerably
improve myself in written communication. From the feedback which I have received from my
teachers and friends I am able to understand that I there is a scope through which I can improve
myself in this skill. This will help me in the future in the job role which I get after the
completion of my studies in the university. Also this helps in the learning of formal way of
interaction with the use of appropriate channels (Pinto and Ramalheira, 2017).
Current Competence-
Currently, I think that I am good in written communication. However due to the feedback which
I have received from my teachers and friends I can realize that there is a considerable scope for
me to be able to improve. I think that I can improve myself in better framing of letters and other
modes of written communication as through their use I will be able to ensure that there are no
problems and issues in coordinating and cooperating with my colleagues when I start to work
after completing my university education.
Contradictions-
There are certain contradictions in the development of this skill. Earlier, I thought that there was
no need for me to develop myself in written communication. I thought that I was quite good in
it and there was no requirement from my side to develop this skill and ability in an effective
manner. But people have told me that I need considerable improvements here so that I can
achieve my goals and objectives in the future.
Help provided by this skill in the future-
This skill is very useful for the future because by developing it I will be able to communicate in
a better manner at my workplace. According to Noga and Rupert, 2017 this skill is useful in the
future because this helps to ensure that a formal hierarchical structure within the company
thereby leading towards maintenance of the different types of roles. Therefore I think that I
should work on this skill so that I am able to achieve the desired success in the future.
Action plan
Through the use of reflective journals an interpretation of strengths and weaknesses can
be made. These are explained as follows-
Strengths-
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 Cooperation and Coordination- I think that I am able to cooperate and coordinate
whenever required with my team members. This helps in working in a better way as a
team to achieve the desired goals and objectives.
 Communication- I think that I can communicate in a better manner with my team
members. This is quite helpful in ensuring that information is transmitted whenever
required.
Weaknesses-
 Analysis & Interpretation- I am weak in doing analysis & interpretation as I am not
able to understand the right way of doing it. Thus I think that I need to make
improvements here.
 Decision-making- I am not able to take certain decisions on my own and I require taking
the help of others for taking these decisions. Thus there is a considerable scope for me to
improve here.
Action plan-
Improvement of Time Management-
Specific- For ensuring the development of this skill I will ensure that I am able to identify
the right way of managing time in my assignments and projects.
Measurable- I will continuously monitor my performance through the use of various
types of metrics which will enable me in improving this skill.
Achievable- I will ensure that I complete my assignments and projects within the time-
limit which has been set for them.
Relevant- I will improve this skill through trying to set time-limits for completing my
projects and assignments which have been given to me in the university.
Time-bound- I will ensure that goals and objectives which I have set are achieved within
a time-period of 3 months.
Improvement of Team-Working-
Specific- For improvement in this ability I will take more projects in which team-work is
required.
Measurable- Improvement in this skill will be made by me through identifying whether
team goals and targets which have been set are achieved.
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Achievable- I will make sure that I cooperate and coordinate in a better way with my
team members to improve this ability.
Relevant- I will perform the specific tasks given to me as a team member and thus will
also help my team members whenever they require my help.
Time-bound- For the improvement in this skill I will set a time-limit of 6 months.
Improvement of Written Communication-
Specific- Improvement in this skill will be done by me through practising more on
writing of letters and other specific documents which are essential in the workplace.
Measurable- For improving this ability I will ensure that I am able to identify the ways
through which written communication is facilitated in the workplace.
Achievable- I think that I should improve my presentation in my letters so that I am able
to improve this skill.
Relevant- I will ensure that I am able to follow the relevant line of hierarchy in the
organization to be able to improve on this ability.
Time-bound- The improvement in this skill will be done by me within a time-period of 1
year.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that business psychology means use of
various psychological approaches so that identification of behaviours of human beings within an
organization can be made effectively and efficiently. It is quite useful so as to understand the
way people work in an organization and the reasons behind the initiation of human behaviours.
There are different psychological approaches which can be used by the organization to ensure
that the managers are able to understand self and others. Reflective journals are useful for giving
an account of development of various types of skills. Also, an action plan can be framed so that
the necessary actions are taken in order to develop these skills in an effective manner.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Abosag, I., Yen, D. A. and Barnes, B. R., 2016. What is dark about the dark-side of business
relationships?. Industrial Marketing Management. 55. pp.5-9.
Aguinis, H. and et.al., 2017. Most frequently cited sources, articles, and authors in industrial-
organizational psychology textbooks: Implications for the science–practice divide,
scholarly impact, and the future of the field. Industrial and organizational psychology.
10(4). pp.507-557.
Fuller, C. M. and et.al., 2016. Common methods variance detection in business research. Journal
of Business Research. 69(8). pp.3192-3198.
Gebhardt, J. A., 2016. Quagmires for clinical psychology and executive coaching? Ethical
considerations and practice challenges. American Psychologist. 71(3). p.216.
Grand, J. A. and et.al., 2018. A systems-based approach to fostering robust science in industrial-
organizational psychology. Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 11(1). pp.4-42.
Håkanson, L. and et.al., 2016. The psychology of psychic distance: Antecedents of asymmetric
perceptions. Journal of World Business. 51(2). pp.308-318.
Islam, G., 2020. Psychology and business ethics: A multi-level research agenda. Journal of
Business Ethics. 165(1). pp.1-13.
Keith, N. and et.al., 2016. Informal learning and entrepreneurial success: A longitudinal study of
deliberate practice among small business owners. Applied Psychology. 65(3). pp.515-
540.
Lord, R. G. and et.al., 2017. Leadership in applied psychology: Three waves of theory and
research. Journal of Applied Psychology. 102(3). p.434.
Moratis, L., 2016. The psychology of corporate social responsibility: Strategic implications.
Global Business and Organizational Excellence. 35(3). pp.37-43.
Pinto, L. H. and Ramalheira, D. C., 2017. Perceived employability of business graduates: The
effect of academic performance and extracurricular activities. Journal of Vocational
Behavior. 99. pp.165-178.
Strike, V. M., Michel, A. and Kammerlander, N., 2018. Unpacking the black box of family
business advising: Insights from psychology. Family Business Review. 31(1). pp.80-
124.
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