Organizational consultants, formerly known as industrial and organizational psychologists, assist companies in improving practices based on psychological theories. They analyze data, evaluate employees, and develop training programs to maximize profits and efficiency while retaining employees. A master’s or doctoral degree in psychology with a concentration in business practices is required, along with superior listening and communication skills.
An organizational consultant is primarily a psychologist who assists companies that suffer extreme loss of employees and profits due to reorganization or restructuring. These consultants were formerly known as industrial and organizational psychologists. They examine current company practices and offer suggestions for improvement based on psychological theories and principles. People in this position determine the effects of uncertain or hostile work environments on employees and offer suggestions on how to improve situations. The main focus of the organizational consultant is to maximize the company’s profits and efficiency while retaining employees.
The specific duties of an organizational consultant vary daily and most duties reflect that of top management. Consultants analyze data, job descriptions and potential candidates for certain positions in the company. They hire employees and evaluate current employees’ job performance to decide where improvements can be made. They make recommendations to management teams based on research and reports that generate profits for the company and reduce losses. Organizational consultants are also responsible for developing new training programs, implementing them and deciding their effectiveness.
Since this work is so involved, a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology with a concentration in business practices is required. A specific degree plan, offered at selected universities, is most beneficial for people seeking employment in the field of industrial organizational psychology. The curriculum at these schools focuses on the principles of organizational psychology and sociology, along with managerial and psychological practices. The degree provides the student with a thorough understanding of the psychology behind employee behaviors and organizational workplace issues. There are also classes dedicated to research, strategy, and development that prepare candidate organizational consultants to understand and evaluate performance issues in the workplace.
In addition to educational requirements, an organizational consultant must possess a specific soft skill set to perform this job effectively. First, a person in this position must have superior listening skills to understand and decipher management and employee concerns. A consultant must be effective in communicating difficult ideas to all members of a failing company and must be able to implement them without objection from employees or management teams. The ability to research issues, analyze research and situations, and manage others is also crucial for consultants if they want to implement plans for a healthier, more profitable business. Most companies will require the consultant to provide proof of performance and references prior to hiring, and most consultants work up the ladder through an established firm.
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