Why is Organizational Change an Important Topic to I-O Psychologists?
Organizations are undergoing dramatic change, and as a result, their need for guidance and support has increased. Organizational leaders turn to people they trust when they want to create change, and sometimes that trusted person is an I-O psychologist. More and more often, traditional I-O work is linked to a major change initiative, and internal and external consultants get involved in the central change itself through their involvement with another project or process. Organizational leaders are learning that sustainable change requires ongoing reinforcement and support. Some of the best management tools for supporting change are HR tools such as selection processes (bring in people who will fit the new culture), performance management systems (link individual performance to organizational success), and incentive programs (reward people for contributing in ways that support the change). I-O psychologists are often the best people to create those tools. There are many models of organiz
