Job Role
Organisational Psychologist
Navigate this career
What is a Organisational Psychologist?
What does Organisational Psychologist a do?
Common Tasks and Duties of a Organisational Psychologist
What skills do I need to become a Organisational Psychologist?
What are the types of organisations a Organisational Psychologist can work in?
An Organisational Psychologist is a special type of psychologist as their expertise lies within the workplace. The application of psychological principles and techniques to the workplace has been a long-standing practice in the field known as Organisational Psychology. Organisational psychology is also known as industrial organisational, business, or work psychology and refers to the science of human behaviour within the workplace.
Organisational Psychology is a relatively small field but is the fastest growing area of psychology in Australia and the United States. It holds a lot of benefits and importance. Almost any business can benefit from Organisational Psychology, but more commonly, Organisational Psychologists are used within large companies. These are usually companies that want to invest in improving work culture or work in particularly stressful industries that requires mental health support. For example, Organisational Psychologists have helped war veterans manage PTSD, reduce sexual harassment in the workplace, prevent discrimination etc.
What does a Do?
Organisational Psychologists apply psychological practice and research methods to organisations to improve employee productivity and satisfaction. They may design or administer employee selection and training programs, conduct research on job satisfaction or motivation or devise methods for improving communication between employees and management.
Organisational Psychologists may also consult with businesses on issues such as stress management, work-life balance, or team building. Whatever their setting, Organizational Psychologists strive to help people perform their best at work.
Common Tasks and Duties of a :
An Organisational Psychologists’ tasks and duties may differ from organisation to organisation, depending on their specific goals and needs. Some of their common tasks and responsibilities include:
- Conduct research and staff surveys addressing employee job satisfaction, efficiency, motivation, management, development etc.
- Develop helpful aids that can be utilized for the recruitment process, training, probation reviews, appraisals, promotions, and more.
- Develop company policies and occupation health and safety programs.
- Improve organisational structure and business efficiency by optimizing workplace processes.
- Improve health and wellbeing for employers and employees.
- Motivate staff and assist with career development, change management, and leadership and talent management.
What skills do I need to become a ?
Organisational Psychology requires various skills such as:
- Observation skills: the ability to assess one’s situation and identify potential unspoken needs or risks.
- Active listening skills: the ability to listen and respond with empathy and compassion
- Problem-solving skills: the ability to be able to find conflict resolutions in a way that is neutral and in line with your company’s values and mission.
- Data analysis skills: This role requires you to perform quantitative analysis to make important decisions regarding the business, so you must have strong technical skills.
- Business Acumen: the ability to make sound business decisions. It includes understanding how businesses work, being aware of economic trends, and having knowledge of financial and accounting concepts.
What are the types of organisations a Works At?
Organisational Psychologists can apply their knowledge and skills to all types of workplace settings including:
- Health Care Facilities
- Labour Unions
- Government Agencies
- Manufacturing and Commercial Enterprises
- Recruitment Centres
- Human Resources
- Schools and Universities
Whatever their setting, Organisational Psychologists strive to help people perform their best at work.
How much do Earn?
$147,224
AVERAGE SALARY
$2,831
WEEKLY EARNINGS
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How to become a ?
To become a qualified Organisational Psychologist, you first must undertake a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This area of practice is generally about three years of full-time study. After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to complete an honours or graduate diploma, which is another year of full-time study.
You will then need to undertake postgraduate studies with a Master, PhD or Doctor of Psychology Course. A Master in Psychology allows you to register as a generalist psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Alternatively, you can do a two-year internship as part of the 4+2 program or a mixture of both through one year of study, and one year of interning, as part of the 5+1 program.
To become a qualified Organisational Psychologist you require different types of registration. You must have AHPRA provisional membership which requires you to do a period of supervised practice. Students are expected to have registered from the beginning of their degree enrolment. Once completing the Registrar program, supervision period, and applying for practice endorsement, you may apply for general registration as a provisional psychologist.
Did you know that you can study a Diploma of Mental Health, and have it count towards your first year of your undergraduate degree? If your interested in a career in sports psychology, visit our University Pathways page to learn more or call us on 1300 855 517
What our trainer has to say
“Organisational Psychology is a great career path for those who have a passion to help others and prefer to work in a corporate setting. It’s comparable to working in human resources but, with a much bigger health and wellbeing focus on a scientific level.”
