Abstract
OrientationThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the world of work. An understanding is needed of this impact and the positioning of roles of professional psychologists in response to adjusting to the new normal.Research purposeThis study investigated the challenges faced by Industrial Organisational (IO) Psychologists in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the study aimed at ascertaining the professional roles that emanate from such challenges.Motivation of the studyAs a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, calls exist within the literature for nuanced disciplinary studies that explore the impact of the pandemic. One such discipline is that of Industrial Psychology (IP), a discipline deemed important not only for the development of individuals but also for organisations.Research approach, design and methodA qualitative research approach utilising semi-structured interviews was conducted with 25 IO Psychologists. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the collected data using the suggestions by Braun and Clarke.Main findingsTwo main findings emerged from the study informed by the thematic analysis conducted. Firstly, the IO Psychologists expressed challenges of a direct nature affecting their practice and individual well-being. Secondly, the participating IO Psychologists suggested resultant professional roles that emerged from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These included (1) prioritisation of personal physical and mental health, (2) more technological skills and acumen needed to adjust to the challenges posed by the pandemic, (3) promotion of continued professional learning and (4) the necessity for support networks amongst practitioners.Practical/managerial implicationsImplications are drawn for the practitioners and individuals working within the IO Psychology context. These extend at assisting the practitioners within the presented challenges.Contribution/value-addThrough the findings, suggestions to inform IO Psychology as a practice are made. Furthermore, roles in assisting IO Psychologists to adjust to the new normal are suggested. The study becomes one of the first within these disciplines to charter suggestions for this important practice.
Highlights
In 2019, the world witnessed the devastating impact of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The participating Industrial Organisation (IO) Psychologists narrated experiences of personal challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic
The participating IO Psychologists suggested resultant professional roles that emerged from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
In 2019, the world witnessed the devastating impact of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is the novel coronavirus that goes with the name severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) (Sansa, 2020). The virus was first identified in Wuhan City in China at the end of 2019 and is associated by scientists with a disease referred to as COVID-19 (Sansa, 2020). Researchers at Imperial College in London estimated the global impact of the COVID-19 virus to range between 20 million deaths in 2020, with effective nonpharmaceutical interventions in place and 40 million deaths, without such interventions (Walker, Whittaker, & Watson, 2020). As a result of the COVID-19 virus, there was a drastic change of life (World Health Organization, 2020), leading to the COVID-19 pandemic raising some glaring issues.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
