I conducted an interview to a practicing industrial/organizational psychologist. Below are the summarized responses.
Importance of Understanding Professional Standards
Psychologists are governed by the American Psychological Association (APA). It sets the ethical principles and code of conduct for psychologist and is also in charge of intent, procedures and organization scope of psychologists’ ethics code which are instrumental in decision making and interpretation of the ethical standards. The ethical standards act as a guideline in the conduct of psychologists and its application varies depending on the unique context of each case. As such standards are not exhaustive but rather act as a bench mark for conduct by APA, therefore, resulting in higher ethical standards by the psychologists. Standards are intended to provide both general principles and decision rules to cover most situations encountered by psychologists. Their primary goal is the welfare and protection of individuals and groups with whom psychologists work. Each psychologist supplements, but does not violate standards, values and rules on the basis of guidance drawn from personal values, culture, and experience.
Most Frequently Encountered Standards or Guidelines
The interviewee stated that as an industrial/organizational psychologist, one frequently encounters the following standards or guidelines.
Human differences and conflict of interest
Where differences such as of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, language, or socioeconomic status affect the psychologists' ability to work with particular individuals or groups, then the psychologists must obtain the training, or supervision needed to deal with this or they should make appropriate referrals. The psychologist should also refrain from undertaking an activity which he or she knows or should know that their personal interests are likely to lead to harm to a conflict of interest with their patient, research participant, or other person to whom they may owe a professional or scientific obligation. When psychologists become aware of personal interests that may interfere with them performing their duties adequately, they should take appropriate measures to prevent future conflicts of interest.
Records
According to APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and code of conduct, psychologists are required to create and to the extend the records are in their control, maintain and dispose of data relating to their professional and scientific work in order to facilitate the provision of services later either by them or other professionals, meet institutional requirements, ensure the accuracy of billing and payment and ensure compliance of law (APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, 6.01)
Maintaining expertise
This means that a psychologist needs to ensure that he or she is reasonably aware of current professional practices and scientific advancements so as to remain competent in his or her area of expertise. Each and every professional should be able to provide proof of competency in his or her area of training and expertise that is achieved through education and work experience. Such professionals should also willingly provide referrals to patients whenever needed.
Professional and Scientific judgments
Psychologists have to rely on scientific and professionally derived knowledge to make judgments through assessment, treatment and evaluation of individuals or groups. As such, psychologists ought to read widely and from time to time in order to acquaint themselves with previous scientific and professional judgments.
Examples of Standards or Guidelines that are Difficult to Communicate with Organizational Stakeholder
Gifts and payments
Psychologists are not expected to accept any gift from their clients. Gifts can either be in monetary form or in kind. Some clients feel that presenting a gift to a psychologist is the most appropriate way to appreciate him or her. Nonetheless, this is unacceptable as it is considered unethical. This is because accepting such gifts may lead to exploitation, conflict of interest, and distortion of the professional relationship. It is also difficult to explain to stakeholders that psychologists do not receive payment from, or divides fees with another professional based on the referral they make and that psychologists cooperate with other professionals in order to serve their patients or clients effectively and appropriately and referral practices are consistent with law.
Confidentiality
Since psychologists know their clients deeply as a result of the treatment sought and also because of anything that the client says during their sessions, psychologists are required by law to hold in privilege what they know even after the therapy is terminated. As such psychologists should divulge the same to anyone without your consent unless such confidentiality will result in harm to self or others.
Methods used to Maintain Guideline Adherence
Ensuring competence
This is done by striving to maintain high standards of competence in work, recognizing the boundaries of particular competencies and the limitations of one`s expertise. One provides only those services and uses only those techniques for which one are qualified by education, training, or experience. Where professional standards do not yet exist, one exercises careful judgment and takes appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those with whom they work. They maintain knowledge of relevant scientific and professional information related to the services they render, and they recognize the need for ongoing education.
Taking Professional and Scientific responsibility
This involves upholding professional standards of conduct, clarifying professional roles and obligations, accepting appropriate responsibility for one’s behavior, and adapting their methods to the needs of different individuals. Additionally, it also involves consulting and cooperating with other professionals and institutions so as to serve the best interests of their clients, or other recipients of their services. When appropriate, consult with colleagues in order to prevent or avoid unethical conduct.
Integrity
This is achieved by seeking to promote integrity in science, teaching, and practice of psychology. In these activities it is important to be honest, fair, and respectful of others. In describing or reporting their qualifications, services, products, fees, research, or teaching, one should not make statements that are false, misleading, or deceptive.
Examples of Dilemmas Encountered
Confidentiality
The most frequent are confidentiality dilemmas after revelations from a client and wrestling with agonizing questions about whether confidential information should be disclosed and, if so, to whom especially where there is the potential risk to third parties such as minors, elder abuse suicidal tendencies.
Conflicting Relationships
This involves maintaining clear, reasonable, and therapeutic boundaries around the professional relationship with a client. In some cases, one is serving as both therapist and supervisor for hours for the patient/supervisee's. In other cases, dual relationships seem to be useful "to provide role modeling, nurturing and a giving quality to therapy". In still other cases, it is sometimes difficult to know what constitutes a dual relationship or conflict of interest; for example, employees/supervisees who are former clients.
Advice and Practice for Students
It significant for students to learn as early as possible what motivates people and influences their behavior, get a mentor who will can expose and guide you in research. Getting a graduate degree such as Doctor of Philosophy also helps.
References
Cremer, D. D. (2009). Psychological Perspectives on Ethical Behavior and Decision Making (PB) (Illustrated ed.). Charlotte, North Carolina: IAP.
Lowman, R. L. (2006). The Ethical Practice of Psychology in Organizations (2nd Edition ed.). Washington DC: American Psychological Association.
Reis, H. T., & Judd, C. M. (2010). Handbook of Research Methods in Social and Personality Psychology (revised ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Schminke, M. (2010). Managerial Ethics: Managing the Psychology of Morality (2, Illustrated ed.). London: Taylor & Francis.
Staudinger, U. M., & Lindenberger, U. (2008). Understanding Human Development: Dialogues With Lifespan Psychology (Illustrated ed.). Berlin: Springer.
