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Industrial Psychologist
Industrial psychologists study human behaviour in the work environment and are especially concerned with the adaptation and development of employees.
They are appointed by large organizations to fulfil the general industrial psychology function of the organization, which involves the study of organization -employee interfaces and subsequently applying psychological principles so as to maximize satisfaction and productivity in the work environment.
Their responsibilities can include:
Recruitment: this involves the recruitment, selection and placement of the best candidate for the position, in the organization. Effective selection processes can save the organization unnecessary personnel expenses. Placing is done on the basis of candidates' personality profiles, experience, personal preferences, abilities, qualifications and the needs of the organization. Industrial psychologists use psychometric tests, interviews and assessment centres as aids in the selection process.
Training: all organizations need personnel who are fully qualified to complete their work successfully. Industrial psychologists may be involved with training newcomers to the organization to be competent and to fill a specific position. They may also see to it that members undergo sufficient training for promotion to management or positions requiring greater responsibility.
Career development: Industrial psychologists assist employees with the planning and development of their careers.
Job design and analysis: The design of the structure and content of jobs can have an enormous influence on the productivity, motivation and morale of employees. Thus industrial psychologists are tasked to ensure the complete and accurate analysis and design of all jobs within the organization.
Organization development: Industrial psychologists identify personnel and system deficiencies and correct the problems, thus ensuring continuous development and renewal within the organization.
Personnel administration: including payment of wages and the handling of leave and transfers in such a way that employees remain motivated to be productive in their work environment.
Labour relations: Labour relations have a tremendous influence on the organization as well as the economy in general. In many cases, it is the responsibility of industrial psychologists to defuse and prevent labour unrest.
Ergonomics: Industrial psychologists need to ensure that the physical work environment is safe and pleasant for employees to do their work and be productive.
Considering that wages and salaries are one of the highest expenditures within a company, industrial psychologists need to ensure that minimum loss occurs due to failure of personnel deployment. They must be sensitive to the interests and needs of employees, as well as management.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with people and helping solve problems
- prestige status and good remuneration
Demanding aspects
- keen professional competition
- many years of study to meet professional requirements
- dealing with clients who show little progress
Requirements
- sincere interest in people
- able to balance the interests of employees and the organization
- able to work on inter-personal levels with a large spectrum of people
- mature, with strong sense of responsibility
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Differ from one university to another
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Life Sciences, Geography, History, Economics.
Training
Degree: BCom, BA or BSc - Industrial Psychology - most universities, e.g. UNISA, NWU, UJ, UFH.
Post-graduate studies: essential.
Training consists of five years academic training at a university and an internship of twelve months at an approved organization. The minimum qualification required for registration at the Health Professions Council as an industrial psychologist, is a masters degree in Industrial Psychology.
Employer
- large companies and organizations
- self-employment, with enough experience and initiative, can set up own consultancy practice
Contact
Any university offering Industrial Psychology
Psychology Association of SA
P O Box 74119
Lynnwood Ridge, 0040
Tel: (012) 807-1740
psyssa.psych.co.za
Psychological Society of South Africa (PSSA)
P O Box 66083
Broadway, 2020
Tel: (011) 486-3322 Fax: (011) 486-3266/77
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
P O Box 205
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 338-9369 Fax: (011) 328-489
E-mail: hpcsa@hpcsa.co.za
www.hpcsa.co.za
www.psyssa.co.za