The Industrial and Organizational (I & O) specialty field of psychology is where trained psychologists utilize their skills to benefit business, companies and other organizations.
What are the Primary Responsibilities of an Industrial / Organization Psychologist?
The Industrial and Organizational Psychology specialty is defined as “the practice of psychology applied to organizations, especially consultation in business settings”. This sub-field of professional psychology includes the areas known as Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Business Psychology and Consulting Psychology. Also included are those individuals who specialize in in human factors psychology as applied to where the work is conducted in an organizational or business Industrial and Organizational Psychologists primarily practice by consulting on organizational issues or coaching individuals with regard to career or job performance issues. Clients are typically people in a work setting or employing organizations, including nonprofit organizations, public jurisdictions and private businesses.
Where do Industrial Organization Psychologist Typically Work?
I & O Psychologists typically work within a business. The places in business there they are most readily found are:
- Assessment, Selection, Recruitment and Placement of potential candidates, typically in a human resources department.
- Performance Management for existing employees.
- Training and Development
- Coaching in Business and Organizations
- Organizational Change and Development
- Developing Compensation and Reward Systems
What training is needed to become a Industrial Organization Psychologist?
While some industrial and organizational psychologists begin their careers by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in general psychology, these programs can be challenging to find. Only a small percentage of colleges and universities in the country offer undergraduate degree programs in industrial and organizational psychology. The majority of I&O professionals will be required to earn advanced graduate degrees. I&O Psychologists at the Master’s Degrees level can often start their industrial and organizational psychology careers in entry-level positions. Those who earn a doctoral degree will usually be considered for even more employment opportunities in this field, and they will have an edge over the competition.
How Much Money Can I Earn As a Industrial Organization Psychologist?
In 2010, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the mean wage for industrial-organizational psychologists is approximately $87,000 a year. The level of salary does vary depending on what part of the country you live, your area of specialization and your level of education.
Are There Any Professional Organizations for Industrial Organization Psychologist?
The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) has been certifying Industrial & Organizational psychologist specialists for over fifty years. The I/O board of the ABPP found that there was little interest in this specific area of certification and was dissolved and replaced with a restructured specialty and specialty board, the American Board of Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology (ABOBCP). The ABOBCP is a fully recognized member board of the ABPP. This board welcomes applicants from Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Human Factor Psychology, and Consulting Psychology, including Psychologists involved in organizational coaching.
Studies have shown that Industrial and Organizational Psychology is one of the greatest areas of growth within the field of psychology. As more and more business take advantage of using psychological principles in their business practices, more and more positions become available. Unlike other areas of professional psychology, I&O psychologists can practice with varying levels of education. For individuals with an interest in both business and psychology, a career as an Industrial / Organizations Psychologist is a perfect combination of the two.