The right time, the right place: Collectively aligning I-O research with small business needs

• Published in: Industrial and organizational psychology 2024-12, Vol.17 (4), p.418-421
• Main Authors: Alipour, Kent K., Herdman, Andrew O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Audiences; Chambers of commerce; Commentaries; Educational leadership; Job creation; Local businesses; Psychologists; Researchers; Science; Small business; Workforce planning
• ISSN: 1754-9426; 1754-9434
• DOI: 10.1017/iop.2024.42

[...]the disconnect between science and practice should not be understated, and more calculated efforts to engage small business owners should be prioritized. [...]academic institutions with entrepreneurship and small business programs typically identify local businesses needing staffing-related guidance and consulting expertise. [...]a motivated I-O psychologist should find no shortage of opportunities to provide distilled and impactful scientific advice to small business owners. [...]we contend that the academic push toward considering counterintuitive relationships and extreme nuance as it pertains to theories and findings may only serve to increase the likelihood that researchers deviate from prioritizing practical application. [...]what specific, implementable recommendations can we provide small business leaders regarding seasonal recruitment, sustainable employee incentives, or remote team member coordination? [...]although we acknowledge contextual nuance is likely to exist, our position is that the most prominent challenges lie in the willingness of our field to engage directly, distill succinctly, and actually serve the leaders and managers we have dedicated our research time to understanding.