Abstract
M.Phil. (Industrial Psychology)
Industrial psychology is a profession that provides behaviour focused services to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of businesses. Industrial psychologists implement interventions at an individual, group and organisational level to improve productivity and well-being as well as reaffirming strengths and organisational flourishing. It can be said that the industrial psychology profession has been subjected to identity challenges as the profession has evolved.
Orientation: The study explored the dynamics of the challenges relating to the identity of the industrial psychology profession as well as its members and further explores the creation of professional identity through social interaction.
Research purpose: The aim of this study was to report on the outcomes of the social construction process and the co-creation of the identity of the industrial psychology profession and professional.
Motivation for the study: This study was aimed at acquiring an understanding on the outcomes of the process of socially constructing the professional identity of industrial psychology.
Research design, approach and method: This study used social construction in the context of a qualitative field research. The researcher used social media as a data collection method and asked seven industrial psychology related questions to a sample of 80 participants who contributed to a total of 627 responses.
Main findings: Findings apply to areas of the industrial psychology as a science, as a profession, and the industrial psychologist as a practitioner. A unifying industrial psychology identity should be established that may assist in the maintenance of the profession’s relevance and reduce professional identity challenges.
Practical/managerial implications: There are many stakeholders of the industrial psychology profession that may be affected by the services provided by members of the profession. These stakeholders include: industrial psychologists themselves, industrial psychology academics and institutions, organisations, clients and internship providers as well as regulatory boards and associations. The recommendations made in this study have been specifically applied to all stakeholders.
Contribution/value-add: This study may assist in the a) elimination of role ambiguity and b) the promotion of using social media as a data collection method.