ABSTRACT
Scientific methods, process-oriented know-how and humanistic value precepts from humanitarian work psychology (HWP) and industrial and organ-isational (I-O) psychology can contribute greatly in generating productivity improvements, supporting effective functioning of production and service organisations, and facilitating needed culture change in a sustainable manner. I-O psychology theories and methods appear well equipped to address the needs of large-scale social intervention necessary for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indeed, many development programmes worldwide already incorporate organisational change and development principles and practices into their intervention strategies. At this juncture of theory development, the HWP community needs to better articulate the boundary between HWP and other established theories and applications of psychology. It is also imperative to stretch the boundary of I-O psychology by giving equal valance to sociological, political science, and complex systems perspectives, and thereby bring HWP to its full potential and purpose in the international development context.
