Critical Work and Organizational Psychology: An Emerging Paradigm of Research in Psychology

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The objective of this brief meta-theoretical contribution is to outline recent developments associated with the emergence of an epistemologically critical paradigm in the academic field of psychology applied to work and organizations. First, the background of these developments and the shortcoming of conventional or mainstream work and organizational psychology are sketched out. Subsequently, attention is called to recent scientific debates involving calls for a critical paradigm in work and organizational psychology. Preliminarily and pragmatically, three waves of publications are distinguished. Building on early pioneering works and representing important geographical crystallization points, these debates were published in key journals of the field in Europe, the United States, and Germany. Further, extant contributions positioning and promoting the emerging paradigm of critical work and organizational psychology are reviewed. This includes journal articles, special issues, designated conferences, and academic organizing attempts aimed at institutionalizing the new paradigm. Integrating these contributions within the framework of meta-theory on social science paradigms in organizational research, a preliminary ontological, epistemological, and axiological definition of critical work and organizational psychology is attempted. Drawing on parallels with the adjacent field of critical management studies, alternative future trajectories for the emerging paradigm are developed, including promises, pitfalls, and opportunities for researchers striving for social transformation.