Industrial Psychology in Tech Teams 2026 Guide

1. What is the primary goal of Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology? A) To diagnose individual mental health disorders B) To apply psychological principles to workplace issues to improve productivity, employee well-being, and organizational effectiveness C) To manage the company's financial accounting D) To handle legal disputes between employees Correct Answer: B) To apply psychological principles to workplace issues to improve productivity, employee well-being, and organizational effectiveness 2. In 2026, "Algorithm-Mediated Management" refers to: A) Using AI to manage employee schedules, performance evaluations, and task assignments B) Using human managers to write code C) Letting employees choose their own salary D) Using software to automate office cleaning Correct Answer: A) Using AI to manage employee schedules, performance evaluations, and task assignments 3. What is "Psychological Safety" (Amy Edmondson) in tech teams? A) A safe room in the office B) A shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking, where members can speak up without fear of punishment C) An IT security protocol D) A mandatory office dress code Correct Answer: B) A shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking, where members can speak up without fear of punishment 4. "Job Crafting" is the process where employees: A) Build their own office furniture B) Redesign their job tasks, relationships, or perceptions to better align with their interests, skills, and values C) Use software to write their own job description D) Apply for a different job entirely Correct Answer: B) Redesign their job tasks, relationships, or perceptions to better align with their interests, skills, and values 5. Which of the following is a classic example of "Intrinsic Motivation"? A) Working solely for a year-end bonus B) Engaging in a task because it is inherently interesting, challenging, or satisfying C) Working to avoid being fired D) Working only because the manager is watching Correct Answer: B) Engaging in a task because it is inherently interesting, challenging, or satisfying 6. "Extrinsic Motivation" is driven by: A) Personal curiosity B) External rewards (money, recognition) or avoidance of punishment C) The need for self-development D) The desire for social connection Correct Answer: B) External rewards (money, recognition) or avoidance of punishment 7. "Social Loafing" in remote tech teams can be mitigated by: A) Increasing the group size B) Clearly defining individual roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics C) Making group projects mandatory D) Removing all performance reviews Correct Answer: B) Clearly defining individual roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics 8. "Cognitive Diversity" in teams is important because it: A) Makes it harder to reach a consensus B) Brings different problem-solving styles and perspectives, leading to more innovative solutions C) Simplifies the team structure D) Ensures everyone thinks the same way Correct Answer: B) Brings different problem-solving styles and perspectives, leading to more innovative solutions 9. "Groupthink" is more likely to occur when teams: A) Encourage dissenting opinions B) Are highly cohesive and isolated from outside viewpoints, valuing agreement over critical analysis C) Use AI to make decisions D) Meet in person every day Correct Answer: B) Are highly cohesive and isolated from outside viewpoints, valuing agreement over critical analysis 10. What is a "High-Performance Work System" (HPWS)? A) A system where computers are replaced by humans B) A combination of HR practices (e.g., selection, training, rewards) designed to enhance employee skills, motivation, and organizational performance C) A fast-paced coding challenge D) A system for tracking office attendance Correct Answer: B) A combination of HR practices designed to enhance employee skills, motivation, and organizational performance 11. "Organizational Culture" is best defined as: A) The company's logo and website design B) The shared values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors that characterize an organization C) The total number of employees in a company D) The location of the company headquarters Correct Answer: B) The shared values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors that characterize an organization 12. "Burnout" in tech teams is often caused by: A) Not having enough meetings B) Chronic workplace stress, characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy C) Working only 4 hours a day D) Having too many vacation days Correct Answer: B) Chronic workplace stress, characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy 13. "Onboarding" is critical because it: A) Eliminates the need for training B) Socializes new hires into the company culture and helps them become productive quickly C) Is a legal requirement for all companies D) Reduces the need for management Correct Answer: B) Socializes new hires into the company culture and helps them become productive quickly 14. "360-Degree Feedback" involves: A) Feedback from the manager only B) Receiving performance feedback from supervisors, peers, subordinates, and oneself C) Feedback from the company's customers only D) Feedback from the government Correct Answer: B) Receiving performance feedback from supervisors, peers, subordinates, and oneself 15. What does "Bias" in recruitment (e.g., in automated resume screening) refer to? A) Hiring the most expensive candidates B) Algorithms favoring certain demographic groups based on historical or incomplete data C) Hiring only from specific universities D) Allowing everyone to interview Correct Answer: B) Algorithms favoring certain demographic groups based on historical or incomplete data 16. "Remote-Work Fatigue" is a phenomenon where: A) Employees like working from home too much B) The constant use of video conferencing and digital communication leads to exhaustion and social isolation C) Employees work too fast D) The internet speed is too slow Correct Answer: B) The constant use of video conferencing and digital communication leads to exhaustion and social isolation 17. "Team Cohesion" is most effectively built through: A) Virtual coffee breaks only B) Shared goals, open communication, and trust-building activities C) Forcing employees to work in the office D) Decreasing the number of meetings Correct Answer: B) Shared goals, open communication, and trust-building activities 18. "Transformational Leadership" inspires employees by: A) Using punishment for bad performance B) Communicating a compelling vision and motivating employees to transcend their own interests for the good of the team/company C) Setting strict hourly rules D) Paying everyone the same salary Correct Answer: B) Communicating a compelling vision and motivating employees to transcend their own interests for the good of the team/company 19. "Transactional Leadership" focuses on: A) Changing the company vision B) An exchange-based relationship where performance is rewarded or corrected based on clear goals C) Inspiring employees emotionally D) Avoiding all management tasks Correct Answer: B) An exchange-based relationship where performance is rewarded or corrected based on clear goals 20. "Self-Determination Theory" (SDT) in the workplace posits that motivation is highest when employees' needs for _______, _______, and are met. _______ A) Money, Fame, Power B) Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness C) Speed, Quality, Efficiency D) Rest, Food, Sleep Correct Answer: B) Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness 21. "Gig Economy" work in tech (freelancing) changes team dynamics by: A) Making management easier B) Increasing the need for flexible onboarding and temporary team integration C) Reducing the number of projects D) Removing the need for communication Correct Answer: B) Increasing the need for flexible onboarding and temporary team integration 22. "Micro-management" in tech teams often leads to: A) Increased speed B) Reduced employee autonomy, morale, and innovation C) Higher quality code D) More stable teams Correct Answer: B) Reduced employee autonomy, morale, and innovation 23. "Effective Performance Management" should be: A) Annual only B) Continuous, goal-oriented, and developmental rather than punitive C) Punitive only D) Based on the manager's personal preference Correct Answer: B) Continuous, goal-oriented, and developmental rather than punitive 24. "Job Satisfaction" is correlated with: A) Higher turnover rates B) Increased organizational commitment and productivity C) Less focus on goals D) Lower company profits Correct Answer: B) Increased organizational commitment and productivity