Becoming an organizational leader: A different career path for psychologists.

Abstract

This article presents data collected from two assessment instruments administered to psychologist-managers at three annual conferences of the Society for Psychologists in Management (SPIM). The assessments used were "The Party," an assessment of occupational interests based on John Holland's model and a short version of Gallup's four Leadership Strengths. The data suggest that the profiles of SPIM's psychologist-managers do not fit the stereotypical profile of psychologists as presented by the Occupational Information Network (O * NET). Therefore, psychologist-managers as leaders in organizations may be a unique, cutting edge, nontraditional career path for psychologists. Suggestions are made for how the field of psychology might identify and develop fledgling psychologist-managers.

A new era for psychologist-leaders: Introduction to the Society of Psychologists in Leadership and the Psychology of Leaders and Leadership.

“…Although many psychologists serve as managers and leaders, engage in management and leadership activities, and contribute to research on management and leadership, APA and the discipline of psychology have paid limited attention to leadership development in a strategic, comprehensive, or coordinated way (Miles-Cohen et al, 2020). SPIM was formed as a result of Richard Kilburg, in 1982 the APA Administrative Officer for Professional Affairs, identifying that there was no professional recognition for psychologists in managerial roles (Thorn & Yancey, 2021). Kilburg organized a special issue of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice devoted solely to psychologists in management (Kilburg, 1984).…”

“…Psychologists typically conduct activities such as clinical therapy and counseling, behavioral research and publications, and educational activities (Thorn & Yancey, 2021). Many psychologists, however, also lead others, such as conducting clinical supervision, leading organizations, or advising leaders.…”

“…Many psychologists, however, also lead others, such as conducting clinical supervision, leading organizations, or advising leaders. Thorn and Yancey (2021) cite James Cattell as an example of this nontraditional path: Cattell founded The Psychological Corporation for the purpose of making applied psychology, including tests and measurements, available to industry and business (Sokal, 1980). Other psychologists have engaged in activities that are more entrepreneurial and leadership related than health services oriented, including J.…”

“…SPIM was formed as a result of Richard Kilburg, in 1982 the APA Administrative Officer for Professional Affairs, identifying that there was no professional recognition for psychologists in managerial roles (Thorn & Yancey, 2021). Kilburg organized a special issue of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice devoted solely to psychologists in management (Kilburg, 1984).…”

Fostering socially responsive evaluation in health service psychology.

“…Opportunities for psychologists to achieve administrative and leadership positions in organizations are now more common than ever before (Shaffer et al, 2021; Thorn & Yancey, 2021). Historically, although psychologists held clinician, educator, or researcher roles, psychologists are now serving as leaders, administrators, and directors in numerous settings such as federal and private hospitals, academic health centers, and community mental health and education programs (Abouljoud et al, 2018; Carr & Miller, 2017).…”