Initiatives and Objectives
SIOP’s government relations and advocacy programs’ goals are to bridge SIOP’s capabilities and government relations expertise with the interests of policymakers. By lending their expertise, members can help address policy issues through evidence-based I-O psychology.
SIOP’s priorities include:
- Promoting the application and implementation of I-O in federal policies, programs, and decision-making.
- Using evidence-based practices to improve workforce issues.
- Educating policy-making bodies on the science of the workplace.
- Supporting the responsible and evidence-based adoption of innovation in the workplace.
- Applying I-O science to support diversity and inclusion practices in the workplace and to create effective workplace cultures.
- Using reliable and valid assessments for the selection, management, and evaluation of workers.
- Expanding funding for workplace sciences research and advocating for further study of workforce and workplace topics.
- Increasing access to education and training for the global workforce.
How SIOP Impacts Federal Advocacy
SIOP leadership, the SIOP Government Relations Advocacy Team (GREAT), and Lewis-Burke, a DC-based firm, have created working groups. Members of SIOP’s working groups lend their I-O psychology expertise to guide policymakers when relevant topics are discussed in Congress.
Policy Resources
See SIOP’s white papers written for policymakers that outline how I-O can be leveraged to address topics such as:
- Defense and National Security
- Education, Development, and Training for a High-Performing Workforce
- Health and Well-Being
- Technology-Enabled Workforce
- Federal Workforce
- Veterans Transition
- Policing
Read SIOP’s Advocacy Guidebook for a summary of SIOP’s approach to advocacy and provide practical advice for members who wish to pursue advocacy work.
SIOP Past President and Fellow Steven Rogelberg testified before the U.S. Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress about how I-O psychology can assist members of Congress, their staffs, and the institution.
SIOP President Steven Rogelberg recently sat down with Chairman Kilmer to discuss how Industrial-Organizational psychology has been and will continue to be influential in the Select Committee’s work.
The SIOP Advocacy Academy
The SIOP Advocacy Academy is a series of webinars aimed at providing I-O professionals and students with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for research funding, evidence-based policy, and other critical issues relevant to I-O psychology. The 2025 program will feature three webinars:
- January 22: Introduction to Science Policy and Advocacy
- February 20: Understanding the Federal Legislative Process
- March 18: Engaging with Policymakers and Influencing Legislation
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of experts from Lewis-Burke Associates, SIOP’s government relations partner, on how they can best engage in advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels.
Jack Goodman-Cheng at jack@lewis-burke.com with any questions.
Resources for 2023 Advocacy Academy Cohort include:
Alerts and News
SIOP encourages members to stay informed and involved with government relations through the quarterly "SIOP in Washington" column in TIP, the monthly Washington Info email, and advocacy alerts to members about current policy issues and funding:
