WHITHER INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL-PSYCHOLOGY IN A CHANGING WORLD OF WORK

Dramatic changes are affecting the world of work. Examples include increased global competition, the impact of information technology, the re-engineering of business processes, smaller companies that employ fewer people, the shift from making a product to providing a service, and the growing disappearance of ''the job'' as a fixed bundle of tasks. These trends are producing a redefinition of work itself They provide great opportunities for industrial and organizational psychologists to contribute to the betterment of human welfare. This article identifies 6 key areas in which to start:job analysis, employee selection, training and development, performance appraisal, compensation (including incentives), and organizational development. Relevant research in these areas can provide substantial payoffs for individuals, organizations, and society as psychology moves into the 21st century.