Which of the following roles is primarily associated with understanding workplace behavior and productivity?

The role primarily associated with understanding workplace behavior and productivity is that of the industrial-organizational psychologist. This specialized area of psychology focuses on the application of psychological principles and research methods to workplace environments. Industrial-organizational psychologists study the behavior of individuals in organizational settings, emphasizing factors that affect employee performance, motivation, job satisfaction, and overall productivity.

They are involved in a variety of tasks, such as developing assessment tools for hiring, designing training programs, conducting employee surveys, and improving organizational structures. Their goal is to enhance both employee well-being and organizational effectiveness by applying empirical research methods to practical problems within the workplace.

Other types of psychologists, such as clinical psychologists, primarily focus on diagnosing and treating mental health issues; developmental psychologists study the psychological changes across the lifespan; and social psychologists explore how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the social environment. While these fields may intersect with workplace dynamics to some degree, their core emphasis is not specifically on workplace behavior and productivity like that of industrial-organizational psychologists.