Psychology in Industry: Origins and Sociopolitical Implications

Abstract

In spite of the numerous sociopolitical implications involved in the practice of industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology, social scientists working in industries have been operating under the erroneous assumption that they are merely providing an apolitical service that will impact favorably on employers and employees alike. The main argument advanced in this paper is that while I/O psychology is potentially capable of serving the needs of workers, it is used primarily to protect the interests of managers and owners. This article exposes the ideological underpinnings of I/O psychology and the practical ways whereby it contributes to uphold the industrial status quo. Ethical dilemmas facing social scientists in the workplace and methods whereby they can challenge — rather than ratify — the industrial status quo are also discussed.