Training Needs Assessment for Graduate Training in I/O Psychology: What KSOA's Employers Desire When Hiring an I/O Psychologist

Abstract

This study investigated the competencies that are required in most Industrial/Organizational Psychology jobs. The Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology has guidelines for graduate programs to follow, yet little research is done to see if these guidelines fit the skills that are actually required to perform the job. Participants were 96 individuals from organizations that had hired I/O Psychologists. Surveyors were mailed a survey created from former studies by Wesolowski and Field (1987) and Blakeney, et al. (2002), the SIOP guidelines, as well as items I added to measure competencies needed in I/O Psychology. Results indicated that traditional human resource areas were highly rated. Since 1987, there has been an increase in the importance of leadership. There are some differences in what knowledge is expected to be known in master’s and doctoral positions, as well as different industries. Statistical knowledge still is very important to all types of positions. Some aspects of research/measurement skills are quite important in a job, while others were rated low. SIOP lists business development skills as optional, it was found that they are quite important for the job.