ERIC Number: ED241880
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Aug
Pages: 22
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Similarities and Dissimilarities of Ethical Issues in Applied Psychology Disciplines.
Lowman, Rodney L.
Although all practicing psychologists share common ethical concerns, the industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologist has additional concerns which are unique to his discipline. The institutional setting of his practice both isolates him from role models and professional colleagues and threatens his identity as a psychologist. In the organization, various stakeholders may place pressure on the psychologist for particular outcomes in personnel selection, job design, and organizational change. The absence of consequences associated with behavior is an ethical concern for the I/O psychlogist, particularly where organizational values may influence behaviors. Threats to informed consent exist in industrial settings, where interventions often involve the entire organization. Confidentiality may be compromised under the demands placed on the psychologist by managers wanting information from or about their employees. The I/O psychologist tends to view the organization as his client, ignoring individuals and their right to feedback in organizational decisions. A fine ethical line exists between organizational and individual interests. Although I/O psychologists' behaviors may vary from other settings in which psychologists practice, the American Psychological Association (APA) code of ethics can be adapted for use by I/O psychologists by appending the code with illustrative case studies. Practical steps to further ethical development in I/O psychologists include teaching ethics in formal coursework, recognizing the I/O psychologist, and reporting ethical violations. In conclusion, the I/O psychologist must become more active in the application of the APA code and in developing a case law. (BL)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A