2015 Science for a Smarter Workplace

Summary

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists are key to evolving workplaces, enhancing productivity and efficiency through scientific study. They specialize in employee selection, training, performance management, and organizational development, applying evidence-based solutions to improve workplace dynamics. With a projected growth rate of 53% by 2022, I-O psychologists are in high demand, contributing to societal advancements like NASA's Mars mission. Their expertise in psychological principles and research methods is crucial for creating smarter, future-ready workplaces. Learn more at SIA.org.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The workplace is evolving due to globalization and technological advancements, necessitating smarter work practices.
• 📈 Organizations are increasingly relying on industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists to enhance productivity, efficiency, and workplace conditions.
• 🔍 I-O psychologists specialize in the scientific study of work, analyzing and evaluating workplace issues at individual, team, and organizational levels.
• 🛠️ They work in areas such as employee selection, assessment, training, development, performance management, and organizational development.
• 🎓 To be successful in this field, individuals typically earn a master's or doctoral degree in I-O psychology or a related discipline.
• 🏆 I-O psychologists are highly educated and skilled in psychological principles, research methods, and management practices.
• 🔑 Key competencies for I-O psychologists include executing and delivering results, earning trust, serving as experts, navigating ambiguity, and collaborating with diverse teams.
• 📊 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, I-O psychology is the fastest-growing occupation in the US with a projected growth rate of 53% through 2022.
• 🏢 I-O psychologists work in various settings, including academia, consulting, HR, and government roles, addressing a wide range of workplace questions.
• 🚀 I-O psychologists contribute to society by conducting research that has practical applications, such as promoting team cohesion among astronauts on long space voyages.
• 🌟 The role of I-O psychologists is crucial in shaping the future workplace, using scientific methods to create smarter and more effective work environments.

Q & A

What is the role of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists in the workplace?

I-O psychologists work to improve organizational productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness while making the workplace better for both employers and employees. They analyze and evaluate workplace issues and perform tasks such as employee selection, assessment, training, development, performance management, and organizational development.

How do I-O psychologists contribute to the advancement of the science of work?

I-O psychologists advance the science of work by conducting research and applying evidence-based management tools and solutions to workplace challenges, thereby promoting smarter and more innovative practices.

What educational background is typically required to become an I-O psychologist?

Most individuals pursuing a career in I-O psychology earn a master's or doctoral degree in I-O psychology or a related field.

What skills are necessary for I-O psychologists to be successful in their field?

To be successful, I-O psychologists need to execute and deliver results, earn and maintain the trust of leadership, serve as subject matter experts, work through ambiguity and uncertainty, and collaborate with various people and teams.

Why are I-O psychologists currently in high demand according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that I-O psychologists are in high demand as it is currently the fastest-growing occupation in the US, with an expected growth rate of 53% through the year 2022.

In what types of settings do I-O psychologists typically work?

I-O psychologists work in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, as consultants, HR professionals, and managers in organizations, and in government roles.

What kind of research questions do I-O psychologists study?

I-O psychologists study questions such as predicting high-performing employees, understanding the drivers of employee engagement, increasing the effectiveness of work teams, and identifying, selecting, developing, and coaching leaders.

How have I-O psychologists contributed to society and the workplace over the past hundred years?

Over the past century, I-O psychologists have made significant contributions to society and the workplace by conducting research and applying their findings to improve various aspects of work environments and organizational practices.

What is a current example of I-O psychologists' research contributing to a specific project?

An example of I-O psychologists' current research is promoting team cohesion among astronauts during NASA's planned 2030 trip to Mars, which is the longest ever manned space voyage.

How do I-O psychologists use science to create a smarter workplace?

I-O psychologists use science to create a smarter workplace by conducting research, analyzing data, and applying psychological principles and management practices to optimize work environments and processes.

Where can one learn more about I-O psychology and the work of I-O psychologists?

To learn more about I-O psychology, one can visit the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology at SIA.org.