Industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology is one of the most interesting and lucrative specializations in the profession. As in any field, staying ahead of the pack means knowing what’s going on in I-O now. Here are five websites you can use to stay informed.
1. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Generally known as SIOP, this is the premier organization for I-O professionals in North America. The SIOP website offers a wealth of resources geared towards psychologists at every level of practice. If you’re new to the field, this is the perfect place to learn more about life as an I-O professional. You’ll find resources that help you evaluate grad schools and prepare you for the challenges of getting licensed at the state level. If you’ve been in the field for a long time, you’ll find information about awards, grants and professional meetings that may be of interest to you. Robust job and internship listings round out the site’s offerings.
2. Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Perspectives on Science and Practice
The official journal of SIOP, this is a must-read publication for both serious students and professionals in the I-O field. Published quarterly, the journal addresses the biggest questions in I-O psychology today and presents the latest research in the field. Focal articles help busy practitioners and students learn about the topics that other professionals in this area find important. Readers also have an opportunity to participate in the focal dialogue by submitting commentaries. Academics and students who want to be published in the field will find useful information about the journal’s submission and review process too.
3. The Alliance for Organizational Psychology
Popularly known as AOP, this professional organization represents a union between America and Europe’s biggest I-O networks. On the AOP site, you’ll find information about local groups where you can connect with other professionals in your area. The AOP also publishes white papers on various I-O topics on its website that are available to anyone who would like to read them. Coverage of the organization’s work with the United Nations is available too. This is a great place to start if you’re just entering the field professionally and want to find a mentor, but it’s also a great resource for experienced practitioners.
4. The Society for Organizational Learning, North America (SOL)
This unique organization is made up of professionals and groups in a variety of fields connected to organizational learning. The SOL website provides an array of resources including podcast-style Quick Talks and traditional white papers. Psychologists who work with organizations to train employees, inspire change or educate others will benefit from on-site resources and suggested links. In addition to providing web-based info, SOL also conducts workshops, provides consulting services and runs a speakers bureau. It’s a great organization to connect with if thinking about learning is a big part of your job.
5. The Organization Development Institute
An eccentric non-profit organization, the OD Institute is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of the organization development discipline. Its website offers a diverse selection of content including blogs, updates about current projects and access to a mailing list. If you’re interested in the finer points of the I-O field, this is a great site to visit. With information about topics as diverse as how cleaning impacts daily life to how employees interact with their physical environment, it’s a website that’s always got something new to contribute to the discussion.
These five websites are a great place to start, but you should be sure to check out each site’s suggested links too. You’ll find a wealth of interesting, timely resources listed by each of these reputable groups.