Industrial Psychology
Learn about Industrial Psychology and careers in this area...
Getting hired by an organization or company often seems like climbing Mount Everest. Good luck and karma seem to play larger roles than training and experience, unless the company trusts science, specifically workplace science, to guide its hiring decisions.
I/O Psychology Links
The field of Industrial - Organizational Psychology (I/O) studies the relationship of human behavior and the workplace, and develops scientifically based solutions to critical business issues. The "I" or Industrial side of this two-part specialty is the area mainly concerned with the science of hiring and retaining employees.
Why is industrial psychology useful?
Businesses benefit greatly from industrial psychology since hiring the right individual for the right job remains a central function, and can have devastating effects on the bottom-line if done haphazardly. But the work of industrial psychology professionals doesn't end with employment since retaining employees also impacts organizational effectiveness. Industrial psychologists also develop performance management, training and compensation practices.
"The industrial side [of I/O psychology] focuses on the movement of individuals into and through organizations," said Fred Mael, who has a PhD in I/O psychology and has worked for over 20 years in the field.
In other words, this field focuses on an individual from the hiring stage throughout the tenure of the individual's career.
Professionals in industrial psychology collect and record empirical data about the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics required for particular jobs. Based on that data, they develop selection criteria, which help businesses correctly identify qualified job applicants through assessment tests. These tests can be physical, written, psychomotor, personality or work samples, or a combination of any of these forms.
Helping human resource specialists develop personnel selection systems also involves those working on the Industrial Psychology side of the I/O Psychology field. That means helping businesses identify employees for promotion and advancement. Some professionals also specialize in targeting highly capable individuals for leadership and development programs.
And no one can deny the importance of compensation programs in hiring, retention and promotion practices. Those working in this field provide the expertise to help organizations construct appropriate compensation levels and ranges, in addition to bonuses and other benefits.
Stating observations on individual behavior and motivations based on data collection, and rigorous, objective analysis defines the field of Industrial Psychology. The field heavily relies on quantitative and empirical tools, and uses psychometrics, an area of psychology based on statistics used to design measurements of aptitude, intelligence, and personality. So those working in this field must enjoy working with numbers and quantitative methods.
"When people say they're into the "I" side, then they're typically more interested in the statistics - in selection, outcome or performance measurements," Mael said.
Mael, who now owns Mael Consulting & Coaching, did a lot of industrial psychology work after receiving his PhD, working for the Army Research Institute. He designed a number of tests and surveys to help the Army identify soldiers for promotions and advancement. One test centered on identifying traits that soldiers needed to be successful in the Army's Special Forces, for example. Another, for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, helped predict whether or not a candidate would complete basic training.
Industrial psychology professionals
The impact of industrial psychology is undisputed. But these psychology professionals also benefit individuals by placing them in the positions they're most qualified for – providing them with an excellent opportunity to succeed. Nearly every employable person wants to step into a position that matches his or her abilities.
If you are interested in helping businesses succeed, and you desire to help individuals find meaning, satisfaction and success in their careers, you should consider a master’s degree or PhD in I/O psychology.
Those individuals with bachelor's degrees will find entry level positions in human resource departments. Those with a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology will assume more responsibility within organizations, while those with PhD degrees assume roles with the greatest responsibility, and also the highest salaries. Many will find opportunity in consulting, teaching and conducting research for universities.
Also, learn more about the psychology career licensing processes and what the requirements for licensure are: Psychology Career Licensure.