Abstract
M. Comm.
This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of industrial psychologists employed in South African organisations with regard to Organisation-Professional Conflict (OPC). It further aimed to ascertain the extent to which the phenomenon is experienced and the antecedents thereof. A cross-sectional quantitative research approach was utilised by means of designing, developing and administering a survey that measures respondents‟ experiences of OPC. Responses from professional industrial psychologists (n=143) were captured and utilised for statistical analysis. Factor analysis yielded four antecedents, i.e. power tension, compromise of professionalism, professional autonomy and strategic alignment. Research in conjunction with the literature confirmed that OPC can be considered to be the incongruence that may be experienced between professionals‟ organisational roles and duties, and that of their role as professional and adhering to professional obligations. More specifically, professional autonomy and strategic alignment mitigated the occurrence of OPC, whereas power tension and compromise of professionalism seem to exacerbate the occurrence thereof. The implications of the findings for the profession and its members are discussed.