Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Industrial-organizational psychologists apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Their activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. Besides, they work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
In the industrial and organizational psychologists' job descriptions, psychologists concentrate on the employees' behaviour at the workplace. They enforce psychological ethics and research techniques to improvise the overall work environment, performance, communication, professional satisfaction and safety.
There are three fields of industrial-organizational psychology that can be divided into three broad areas- industrial, organizational, and human factors. The industrial organisational course provides an introduction to industrial and organizational psychology. These psychologists help institutions hire, manage, develop, and support employees and align employee efforts with business needs.
Many psychologists work as consultants or hold academic positions like trainers, coaches, and facilitators at universities and earn decent industrial organisational psychologist salaries. They are also hired by organizations to assist with resolving specific problems.
To become an industrial-organizational psychologist, one needs a combination of hard skills and soft skills, Hard skills include analytical and research skills, problem-solving, and administrative skills. Soft skills include interpersonal skills, communication, conflict management, and teamwork.
To succeed in the career of industrial and organizational psychology, one should engage in critical thinking for solving the issues within an organization with resourcefulness, organisation and creativity.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Psychology
- M.A. Psychology
- B.A. Psychology
Tasks
- Develop and implement employee selection or placement programs.
- Analyze job requirements and content to establish criteria for classification, selection, training, and other related personnel functions.
- Observe and interview workers to obtain information about the physical, mental, and educational requirements of jobs as well as information about aspects such as job satisfaction.
- Write reports on research findings and implications to contribute to general knowledge or to suggest potential changes in organizational functioning.
- Advise management concerning personnel, managerial, and marketing policies and practices and their potential effects on organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Identify training and development needs.
- Conduct research studies of physical work environments, organizational structures, communication systems, group interactions, morale, or motivation to assess organizational functioning.
- Formulate and implement training programs, applying principles of learning and individual differences.
- Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, or promotion.
- Assess employee performance.
Progression Routes
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