About Organisational Psychology

What is Organisational Psychology?

Organisational psychology is the science of people at work. It is one of nine areas of practice within the psychological profession.

Organisational psychologists work with employees and teams to enhance their wellbeing, effectiveness, motivation and engagement. They help organisations to improve their systems, productivity and culture.

They base their practice on science, drawing on psychological research, empirical methods and data to help organisations to achieve more. Using the scientist-practitioner approach, organisational psychologists provide greater confidence and certainty about the effectiveness of the outcomes they deliver.

Why work with an Organisational Psychologist?

Organisational psychologists offer the following value proposition:

• Organisational psychologists deliver more effective outcomes in drawing on the scientific-practitioner model. They help organisations to make robust, evidence-based decisions, rather than simply adopting the latest management fad.
• Organisational psychologists are experts in human motivation and behaviour. All psychologists educated in Australia have received at least six years of university training and/or supervised practice. Organisational psychologists must undertake an additional two years of training with an accredited supervisor.
• Organisational psychologists understand both people and systems. They use this knowledge to develop appropriate solutions to address complex business challenges.
• Organisational psychologists are held to high professional standards. They are bound by strict regulatory standards designed to protect clients and their confidential information. They are also required to undertake continuing professional development across their careers. In a rapidly changing world, this ensures that their knowledge is always up to date.
• Organisational psychologists are part of a larger network of practitioners and researchers. When you work with one organisational psychologist, you draw on the accumulated experience and wisdom of the community.

What roles do Organisational Psychologists work in?

Organisational psychologists work in a range of roles, although many do not have “organisational psychologist” in their job title. Many organisational psychologists work in HR-related roles in business and in government. Other organisational psychologists work as external consultants, providing services such as organisational development, change management, career counselling, and executive coaching. Some organisational psychologists work in universities as academics.

To see some great video case studies of Organisational Psychology projects in action, please visit the Workplace Excellence Awards channel on YouTube.

What expertise do Organisational Psychologists have?

Organisational psychologists receive training in the following areas:

What Organisational Psychology professional bodies exist in Australia?

All psychologists are registered through the Psychology Board of Australia.

The College of Organisational Psychologists is the main professional association of organisational psychologists in Australia. It hosts an events calendar listing different types of organisational psychology related professional functions. The College is a group within the larger Australian Psychological Society.

There are two major Organisational Psychology social media groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.