ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role of the Work and Organizational (W&O) psychologist. W&O psychologists fulfil roles in society. In society in general there are opinions, beliefs and expectations held about W&O psychologists. Professional associations have made rules which prescribe how psychologists should act in particular situations. There has been very little research done on the role of psychologists in different countries. But even when the usefulness is more limited it can be very attractive for someone providing personnel selection services to advertise himself or herself as a W&O psychologist. The benefits provide the access to clients, recognition, support from colleagues and prestige while the costs involve being subjected to colleague surveillance and the membership fee. Instead of colleague surveillance one is subjected to supervision by the organization. The past history of W&O psychology shows how the domain has been shaped by the continuous interaction with clients.
