In this, my first TIP column as SIOP president, I offer a few thoughts on the need for I-O psychology in today’s world of work. I also describe five things I appreciate about SIOP because we shouldn’t overlook the positives, even during turbulent times. But first, a quick self-introduction.
I’ve Grown Up With SIOP
In 1986, I attended the inaugural SIOP conference just 1 month before completing my graduate education. Early in my career, I served as a tenured business school professor before relinquishing tenure and leading a consulting and research firm for over 30 years. Regardless of which hat I was wearing, I’ve benefited greatly from being part of SIOP.
When I was young, I didn’t always make the best decisions, as evidenced by my early clothing choices. However, choosing industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology for my career was a great decision!
A Few Words About the World We’re Living In
We are living and working in turbulent times. Government actions are having immediate and potentially long-term effects on the science and practice of I-O psychology. In a recent email to all SIOP members, I outlined the actions SIOP is taking to support, inform, educate, and advocate for our members and the organizations we serve. We intend to maintain an action-oriented approach as a society, and I’ll do my best to keep you informed.
As we work our way through the current challenges, let’s keep in mind that the world needs I-O’s help more than ever. For example, we need to do the following:
- Reinforce our long-held understanding that work decisions should be based on merit and job requirements rather than irrelevant criteria.
- Advocate for science that can guide evidence-based practices.
- Help organizations navigate how to create work environments where employees can thrive.
- Correct false assumptions or misinformation that are inconsistent with the evidence.
- Provide I-O psychology input into the future application of talent analytics.
- Play a constructive role in shaping the future workplace, including the use of AI.
- Enhance teaming and collaboration in a myriad of settings.
A Few Things I Appreciate About SIOP
During these challenging times, I don’t want to overlook the positives. Here are five of the many things I appreciate about SIOP:
- SIOP isn’t a monolithic organization. SIOP members have different perspectives, needs, and priorities. Although this can sometimes create coordination and collaboration challenges, the benefits far outweigh the risks. When channeled constructively (e.g., assuming positive intent in others), this is a real strength of SIOP.
- We embrace the “mostly healthy” tension between science AND practice. At our core, SIOP is grounded in the scientist–practitioner model. We believe in the power of science to help leaders and employees make informed decisions. We also recognize that our influence is primarily felt through the practice of I-O psychology.
Some of our members are dedicated to building and expanding the evidence base. Some are living and practicing I-O psychology every day. As a field, we’re at our best when our science is guided by our practice, our practice is informed by our science, and our professors teach future SIOP members to understand and appreciate both.
- Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology is dedicated to enhancing organizational effectiveness AND promoting personal well-being. Some fields, such as finance and accounting, primarily consider the needs of the business. Others, such as clinical psychology and counseling, emphasize the needs and well-being of individuals. In I-O, we believe that both are important and that, done properly, they are synergistic and not mutually exclusive. It isn’t always easy to get the balance right, but I see it as a second source of healthy tension in our field!
- Our members actively support the work of SIOP. Did you know that over 700 of our members volunteer to support SIOP? They serve on committees, task forces, the SIOP Foundation, publication and editorial boards, and SIOP’s Executive Board. They review conference submissions and assist in selecting SIOP award recipients. They deliver workshops and produce informative content. I want to extend a big thank you to those of you who have volunteered. You are our engine.
I encourage you to visit SIOP’s volunteer site at https://www.siop.org/membership/get-involved/committees/ (and make sure to log in!) to raise your hand and let us know that you want to join our community of volunteers.
- Our Executive Board and SIOP staff genuinely care about our members and the field of I-O psychology. Our volunteers are fantastic, but they rotate in and out of their roles over time. We couldn’t run an organization with over 8,000 members without a dedicated staff. SIOP has a team of professional staff members who manage the Society on a day-to-day basis, for example, providing continuity and oversight to our committees. Additionally, our elected Executive Board provides strategic direction and guidance to SIOP.
I appreciate how the EB, SIOP staff, and our volunteers strive to do what is right for our membership, the field, and society as a whole. We don’t always agree, but our hearts are in the right place!
Until next time…
Scott
