Job Description of an Organizational Psychologist

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the demand for organizational psychologists will increase by 26 percent through 2018. Spurred by increased interest in improving productivity and retention, this increase in demand may lead to the creation of 600 jobs, according to BLS.

Function

Organizational psychologists perform a variety of tasks for businesses, including counseling employees, developing training and methods of performance evaluation, assisting with hiring and discipline of employees, and coaching and counseling management on how to motivate and develop talent.

Types

Some organizational psychologists work for one company, while others work for services that provide psychologists as consultants for a number of companies. Organizational psychologists may also own their own practices and independently find work consulting for companies.

Skills

Successful organizational psychologists possess problem-solving skills, the ability to listen and communicate effectively, empathy and leadership capabilities. The ability to use database, word processing, human resource management and email software is generally also necessary, reports the Occupational Information Network.

Education

Most employers require organizational psychologists to have a minimum of a master's degree in psychology. Some companies will only work with psychologists who have a Ph.D. in the field.

Compensation

As of May 2008, organizational psychologists averaged annual salaries of $86,460, according to BLS.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Psychologists
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008
• Occupational Information Network: Summary Report for Industrial/Organizational Psychologists