Organizational diagnostics in training social psychologists

Abstract

For several years, training social psychologists capable of working in a modern organization has remained a relevant issue. Of special interest is the development of knowledge and skills in young professionals who will engage in diagnostics and experimental research. Such professionals require comprehensive training with due regard given to the specific non-simulated research context. The challenge is that organizational diagnostics and psychological research in an organization are part of the assessment of human resources, while human resources are instrumental in achieving its goals and ensuring its further development. Thus, diagnostics and psychological research aim to solve specific problems of an individual organization facing challenges in its functioning and commercial efficiency. In particular, these are psychological characteristics of people that should provide tools to solve these issues. Psychological diagnostics and research in an organization are carried out in a specific theoretical paradigm (management concept of the organization; a holistic psychological theory). The methods used in organizational diagnostics must correspond to their standardized and proven originals. Like all other sciences, psychology is seeing a dynamic development. It implies that many phenomena under study are becoming more complex and keep acquiring a deeper meaning. Hence, research in modern organizations cannot rely on simplification or commonly recognized yet obsolete definitions. A very serious professional challenge to an organizational psychologist doing a study is the identification of a target group and/or a representative sample. The training of organizational psychologists will definitely benefit from non-simulated ‘hands-on’ workshops in organizations from different sectors of economy with the subsequent presentation of research results as a structured text. Practical courses should primarily focus on the formation of the research competence in to-be psychologists to ensure successful adaptation and professional development of young professionals within an organization.