The role of JOOP (and other scientific journals) in bridging the practitioner‐researcher divide in industrial, work and organizational (IWO) psychology

Abstract

Reflecting upon recent debates concerning the practitioner‐researcher divide in the field of industrial, work and organizational (IWO) psychology, Garry Gelade advocates a series of changes to the publication policy of the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (JOOP), in an attempt to increase its appeal to HR practitioners. While his overall intention ‐ the increased application of psychological knowledge, tools and techniques to the enhancement of productivity and well‐being in workplace settings ‐ is to be welcomed, unfortunately, several of his recommendations are misplaced, reflecting a number of misconceptions concerning the nature and role of scientific journals in the science and practice of IWO psychology. Taken as a whole, the package of policy changes he advocates is likely to prove counterproductive. Accordingly, modifications to his recommendations are offered, with a view to ensuring that JOOP continues to meet the needs of its prime constituents.