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The main reason to study industrial psychology (IO) is to make organizations more effective and efficient, while at the same time making conditions ideal for employees. Industrial psychology balances the needs of employees and organizations, which are both important.
I feel strongly that industrial-organizational psychologists use psychological principles to improve flow and productivity in the workplace by studying employee behavior and attitudes and applying their findings to implement change and increase productivity and job satisfaction. They also provide training to corporate managers and collaborate with leadership to create policies and develop strategy that will improve overall workplace efficiency.
Having become a licensed organizational psychology opens door to many options. Having the intersection between psychology and business, the industrial-organizational field is growing significantly and offers a wide variety of career options. Work settings can include: the manufacturing industry, health care facilities, large or midsize corporations, nonprofit organizations, and many more. Some I-O psychologists will also work as employees for larger businesses while others work as consultants, hired to solve a specific problem.
I know that a good I-O psychologist needs good critical thinking and logic skills and must be good at gathering and interpreting data. In addition, they must have good communication skills, high levels of emotional intelligence, be adept at understanding people coming from different social and cultural backgrounds, and have strong teamwork skills.
If you are an undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in I-O psychology, you can become a SIOP Student member, even if you are not in an I-O program. Learn how to become a SIOP student member.
I-O psychologists apply research that improves the well-being and performance of people and the organizations that employ them. Find an I-O psychologist for your work-related article, podcast, or other piece. View SIOP's Media Resources.
I-O psychology is a dynamic and growing field that addresses workplace issues at the individual and organizational level. Learn more about how SIOP members can use their I-O expertise to help your business.
The specialty of industrial-organizational psychology (also called I/O psychology) is characterized by the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the work place. The specialty focuses on deriving principles of individual, group and organizational behavior and applying this knowledge to the solution of problems at work.
Specialized knowledge and training in the science of behavior in the workplace requires in-depth knowledge of organizational development, attitudes, career development, decision theory, human performance and human factors, consumer behavior, small group theory and process, criterion theory and development, job and task analysis and individual assessment. In addition, the specialty of industrial-organizational psychology requires knowledge of ethical considerations as well as statutory, administrative, and case law and executive orders as related to activities in the workplace.
The specialty of Industrial Organizational Psychology addresses issues of recruitment, selection and placement, training and development, performance measurement, workplace motivation and reward systems, quality of work life, structure of work and human factors, organizational development and consumer behavior.
The distinct focus of I/O psychology is on human behavior in work settings. Therefore, the populations affected by the practice of I/O psychology include individuals in and applicants to business, industry, labor, public (including non-profit), academic, community and health organizations.
I/O Psychologists are scientist-practitioners who have expertise in the design, execution and interpretation of research in psychology and who apply their findings to help address human and organizational problems in the context of organized work. I/O psychologists:
Industrial-organizational psychology, sometimes abbreviated as I-O or I/O psychology, is the study and application of psychological concepts and practices to an organization and its workforce. In practical terms, that means industrial-organizational psychologists help companies maximize their efficiency by improving hiring and promotion strategies, training and development, employee motivation programs and much more.
Essentially, industrial-organizational psychologists can help businesses recruit and hire the right people, help create training and development programs to improve employee performance and develop incentives and organizational structures, so employees are happier and more productive on the job and maintain work-life balance.
MacCarty offered an example of a company whose revenues dipped and had to eliminate annual raises, causing a productivity decline and financial hardships for some employees. An IOP can assess that climate and develop other incentives to employees, such as flex-time programs, recognition awards or 4-day work week schedules.
An IOP can look at the situation and come up with some concrete ideas, ways to improve employee motivation and overcome the disappointment felt by employees because they did not get raises," MacCarty said.
Examples of industrial-organizational psychology vary by role, according to MacCarty. "The one constant would be working with people in varying capacities," he said. "... IOP graduates have strong communication skills to interact with employees, resolve conflicts, and facilitate positive workplace relationships."
The American Psychological Association (APA) reported that the principles of industrial-organization psychology can impact not only businesses, but also trips to space. The APA described some of the challenges that NASA is anticipating for a planned trip to Mars and how I-O psychology can help.
Specifically, research from I-O psychologists can promote efforts of team cohesion in what would be the longest manned space trip ever. Team cohesion is very important for space missions because errors that result from team conflicts can be detrimental and even fatal, the APA reported.
Given that the astronauts will spend a long time together in a confined space, it's important for them to be properly trained on managing conflict and communication. The APA reported that it saw a nearly 20% increase in a team's performance as a result of specified team trainings for astronauts.
"The minimum requirement to be called an I/O psychologist is a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology or a closely related field is often required," MacCarty said. Some states also require licensing or certification, he said.
Jackie Lancaster '21G held a bachelor's in industrial-organizational psychology but knew she would need a master's degree if she wanted to unlock new opportunities in her field. And it paid off.
"I learned more than I ever thought I could and I feel as if I received a great education that pertained to what I wanted and needed," she said. "I feel as if I can speak the language of my profession proficiently, and I have gained a tremendous amount of self-esteem over the process."
*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.
Industrial and organizational psychology (I-O psychology) "focuses the lens of psychological science on a key aspect of human life, namely, their work lives. In general, the goals of I-O psychology are to better understand and optimize the effectiveness, health, and well-being of both individuals and organizations."[1] It is an applied discipline within psychology and is an international profession. I-O psychology is also known as occupational psychology in the United Kingdom, organisational psychology in Australia and New Zealand, and work and organizational (WO) psychology throughout Europe and Brazil. Industrial, work, and organizational (IWO) psychology is the broader, more global term for the science and profession.[2][3][4]
I-O psychology is one of the 17 recognized professional specialties by the American Psychological Association (APA).[12] In the United States the profession is represented by Division 14 of the APA and is formally known as the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).[13] Similar I-O psychology societies can be found in many countries. In 2009 the Alliance for Organizational Psychology was formed and is a federation of Work, Industrial, & Organizational Psychology societies and "network partners" from around the world.[14][15][16]
I-O psychology is an international science and profession and depending on the region of the world, it is referred to by different names. In North America, Canada and South Africa the title "I-O" psychology is used; in the United Kingdom, the field is known as occupational psychology. Occupational psychology in the UK is one of nine "protected titles" within the "practitioner psychologist" professions. The profession is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.[17] In the UK, graduate programs in psychology, including occupational psychology, are accredited by the British Psychological Society.
In Europe, someone with a specialist EuroPsy Certificate in Work and Organisational Psychology is a fully qualified psychologist and a specialist in the work psychology field.[18][better source needed] Industrial and organizational psychologists reaching the EuroPsy standard are recorded in the Register of European Psychologists. I-O psychology is one of the three main psychology specializations in Europe.
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