CMS

731: Uncomfortable Truths about Industrial-Organizational Psychology (17346)

Organizer(s)

• IH

  Ivan Hernandez

  Virginia Tech
• CH

  Christopher Huynh

  Virginia Tech, United States

Speaker(s)

• KS

  Kayden Stockdale

  Virginia Tech

Participant(s)

• MZ

  Michael Zickar

  Bowling Green State U.

Speaker(s)

• KF

  Keaton Fletcher

  Colorado State U., United States

Discussant(s)

• AM

  Arturia Melson-Silimon

  -, United States

This symposium addresses significant paradoxes in Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology, focusing on the gap between the field's stated humanitarian values and its practices regarding employee well-being and worker treatment. The session features presentations that challenge the current state of I-O Psychology and propose a reorientation towards more authentic and equitable approaches. The first presentation critiques the prevailing utilitarian perspective in I-O Psychology, which often conflicts with fundamental human rights. This critique is especially pertinent in areas such as personnel selection and occupational health psychology. The speakers advocate for a shift in philosophical framework and policy towards rights-based standards, emphasizing the need to prioritize ethical considerations over cost-benefit analysis. The second presentation addresses the lack of focus on child labor issues within I-O Psychology research. It reviews the global state of child labor and legislative changes in the U.S., calling for expanded research to include populations affected by child labor and to assess the impact of recent legislative changes. Last, the symposium includes a discussion on the ethical considerations regarding non-human animal workers. This presentation argues for the recognition of the rights and ethical treatment of these workers, advocating for I-O psychologists to support the abolition of non-consensual, non-compensated labor of vulnerable populations. The symposium concludes with an integration of these themes, highlighting the importance of addressing oppression and striving for equity in I-O Psychology.

Presentations:

• 11:30 – 13:00 CT (GMT-5/UTC-5)

  731: Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Utilitarian Hell (17346)
  

  Author: Christopher Huynh – Virginia Tech

  Author: Kayden Stockdale – Virginia Tech
• 11:30 – 13:00 CT (GMT-5/UTC-5)

  731: Child Labor: A Critical Area of Need and Disconnect for I-O/OB Research (17346)
  

  Author: Keaton Allen Fletcher – Colorado State U.
• 11:30 – 13:00 CT (GMT-5/UTC-5)

  731: Extending the Ideals of I-O Psychology to the Forgotten Workers (17346)
  

  Author: Ivan Hernandez – Virginia Tech

  Author: Michael Zickar – Bowling Green State U.