Intro to I & O Psychology

Psyc334

Ron Fischer

Overview

• What is I & O Psychology

• Areas of I&O

• Things you might do

• How to get a job

Q’s you should be able to answer after this session:

• What is I&O Ψ?• Differentiate some main areas within I&O Ψ. What

other fields are studying similar phenomena?• What are the dual responsibilities of I&O Ψists? Give

an example.• Give some examples of tasks that I&O Ψists

routinely perform in organizations.• What is required to become registered as a

psychologist here in NZ?• Give some examples of what might increase your

chances of getting a job as a I&O Ψist.

What is I & O Psychology

• The application of psychological principles, theory and research to the work setting

• Helps us to understand how people think, feel and behave in the work environment

Areas and fields of I&O

• Personnel Psychology• Organizational Psychology• Human Engineering (Human Factors)

• Related fields:– Human Resource Management (HRM)– Organizational Behavior– Management Studies– Industrial Relations– Sociology– Computer Science, etc.

Some typical tasks you might end up doing...

• Testing• Selection and Promotion• Employee Training and Development• Evaluation of Employee Motivation & Satisfaction • Organizational analysis   • Job design and evaluation• Team building• Customer service issues• Ergonomics • …

Dual Responsibility

• Contribute to the effectiveness of organizations

• Contribute to well-being of people working within those organizations

• Think BIGGER

Challenges

• Changing demographics – Age– Gender– Ethnic/cultural diversity

• Development of new technologies• Changes in national economies

(restructuring, downsizing)• Blurring of boundaries between work

and non-work life

Further reading:

• Patterson, F. (2001). Developments in work psychology: Emerging issues and future trends. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 74, 381-390.

How to become an I&O psychologist

• Registration necessary

• Completed Master’s degree (or PhD)

• One year full-time employment in a job related to I&O psychology, supervised by a registered psychologist

• Go to www.psychology.org.nz

Critical skills: Research Expertise

• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Design and Methods

• Data analysis and statistics • Data privacy, confidentiality, and

ethics  • In-depth knowledge of research on

employee attitudes and behaviours as they relate to organizational performance 

How to increase your chances of finding a job….

• Get work experience• Get research experience• Network• Get additional training• Market yourself • ‘Creative interpretation’ of job ads• Know your limits!

• Enjoy what you are doing!!!!!

Always remember:

• If work was so good, the rich would have kept more of it for themselves.

» David Brent

Summary

• Psychology applied to work settings in the broadest sense

• Dual responsibility

• Many competing disciplines: Be aware, but beware!

• Be pro-active and creative!!!!