Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology: What It Is and Why It’s Important
BY Kacper Pachut, MIOP '24, MBA '25 | 8 MIN READ
Are you interested in better understanding behaviors, improving functionality and facilitating stronger communication in the workplace? An important question for anyone interested in pursuing a career within this realm of the business world is: What exactly is industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology?
During a panel discussion at the 2024 Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) conference in Chicago, there was a growing sentiment among I/O practitioners that a name change could help broaden public understanding of the field. Alternative names like ‘workplace psychology’ or ‘performance psychology’ might better capture the field’s focus on modern workplace dynamics and individual performance, making it more relatable to a broader audience.
What is I/O Psychology?
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the definition of industrial/organizational psychology is “the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace.”
Often misunderstood as simply an extension of Human Resources, I/O psychology is a data-driven science that leverages psychological principles to understand and optimize human behavior within organizations. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added industrial/organizational psychology to the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This recognition reflects its growing importance as organizations turn to I/O psychologists to address challenges like hybrid work and employee mental health.
What do I/O Psychologists Do?
I/O psychologists craft work environments that:
- Promote productivity
- Improve employee well-being
- Boost potential for individual and organizational success
The field plays a vital role in fostering a successful workplace by applying psychological principles across various domains. In recruitment and selection, I/O psychology practitioners design evidence-based processes, leveraging psychometric assessments and detailed job analyses to pinpoint candidates with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) needed to thrive in specific roles.
When it comes to training and development, I/O practitioners implement targeted interventions tailored to individual needs and learning styles, ensuring effective knowledge transfer, promoting employee growth and cultivating a culture of continuous learning. In performance management, they advocate for clear goal setting, constructive feedback and systems that empower employees, creating an environment where individuals are both evaluated and supported to reach their full potential.
To boost employee engagement, they devise strategies such as mentorship programs, flexible work arrangements, and feedback surveys to foster a positive work environment that enhances loyalty, reduces turnover, and keeps employees invested in their roles. In enhancing leadership effectiveness, industrial/organizational psychologists help organizations identify and develop leaders who can empower teams and drive results through clear communication, strategic vision and a positive workplace culture.
Additionally, I/O psychologists promote workplace safety and well-being by contributing to safe work practices and programs that prioritize employee health, while also designing interventions to tackle issues like stress and burnout. For example, they might implement mindfulness programs or flexible schedules to combat these issues. Through these applications, I/O psychology significantly contributes to organizational success and employee satisfaction.
Elmhurst I/O Psychology Experience
My experience in the Elmhurst University industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology graduate program was transformative, blending academic rigor with practical application in a way that truly prepared me for a career in the field. The curriculum spanned two years of part-time evening classes, designed around a cohort model where I worked alongside the same group of classmates from start to finish. This cohort model encouraged a tight-knit team dynamic, allowing us to build trust, collaboration skills and enjoy mutual growth as we got further along in the program. What stood out most was how the projects built on each other across courses, creating a cumulative learning experience that mirrored real-world application. One standout project from the Training and Development course involved my team designing a training program to teach our classmates how to play pickleball, applying I/O principles to ensure effective learning.
My I/O Psychology Project: Elmhurst Consulting Solutions (ECS)
A defining part of my Elmhurst I/O psychology experience was my internship with Elmhurst Consulting Solutions (ECS), our University’s student-led consulting group established in 2015. It’s objective is to connect graduate students with practical consulting opportunities while supporting local organizations. Under the supervision of Dr. Catrina Notari, a professor specializing in psychometrics, data science and consulting practices, I worked to revamp ECS into a fully functional entity capable of delivering high-quality, affordable services such as competency models, job analyses and performance improvement plans. My passion for organizational development and change management, sparked by an interest inventory during program orientation, made this project an ideal fit. I combined two frameworks: Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model and Kanter’s Ten Steps to Power and Change. I used these frameworks to guide the redesign process, assess progress during weekly check-ins and establish a sustainable foundation. Because this internship was integrated into the University’s program, I extended my involvement with ECS beyond a typical semester, continuing into the 2024/25 academic year as student director while pursuing the Elmhurst University MBA Option.
My involvement with ECS has been a springboard for applying classroom knowledge practically, aligning with Elmhurst’s emphasis on cumulative learning through consistent teams and interconnected projects. As ECS prepares to take on client work, I am excited to see it thrive as a pioneering student-led consulting group, offering both valuable experiences to students and impactful solutions to local organizations. More importantly, I am looking forward to seeing ECS grow and develop in the future as new students come into the program and leave their mark.
SIOP Consulting Challenge for I/O Psychology Students
One of the highlights of my time at Elmhurst was participating in the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Consulting Challenge. This competition brought together 24 schools, and I was honored to be one of two students selected from Elmhurst to represent our program. The challenge required us to tackle a real-world organizational problem, collaborating remotely with teammates to develop a solution grounded in I/O psychology research. This experience highlighted Elmhurst’s focus on applied learning, as my prior projects with consistent teams had built a strong foundation in collaboration and problem-solving, skills I applied directly in the challenge. Competing in the SIOP Consulting Challenge not only boosted my confidence but also opened doors to broader professional opportunities in the field, professional relationships and friendships.
Conclusion
The field of I/O psychology is constantly evolving, keeping pace with the ever-changing workplace landscape. For professionals seeking to create a more positive and productive work environment, I/O psychology practitioners offer a powerful set of tools and evidence-based strategies. From talent acquisition to leadership development, I/O practitioners help both employees and companies thrive. Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional or simply someone curious about the psychology behind successful organizations, I/O Psychology offers valuable insights into creating a successful work environment for all. As I step into the field, I’m eager to apply the lessons I learned in the program at Elmhurst University to address modern workplace challenges, from fostering employee well-being to driving organizational change.
To learn more about the master of industrial/organizational psychology program at Elmhurst University and how it can help you advance your career, fill out the form below and visit elmhurst.edu/MIOP.
Kacper Pachut is a recent graduate of Elmhurst University’s M.A. in industrial/organizational psychology program and is currently pursuing an MBA at Elmhurst University. With a strong foundation in I/O psychology and business, Kacper brings a unique perspective to the intersection of psychology and organizational success. His hands-on experience includes serving as Student Director of Elmhurst Consulting Solutions (ECS), and he currently works as a staffing assistant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
