Exploring ethical dilemmas that industrial and organisational psychologists are experiencing in South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: Industrial and organisational psychologists (I-O psychologists) find themselves at a cross-road regarding their professional existence. Being competent in ethical decision making manifests in ethical reasoning in order to take moral action when an ethical dilemma is presented without a clear definition of right and wrong. How I-O psychologists react to an ethical dilemma will determine to a large extent the sustainability of this field of applied psychology in the workplace. For I-O psychologists to recognise these potential risks, it is important to have an understanding of the ethical dilemmas they might be confronted with when entering the world of work within the South African context. Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the ethical dilemmas that I-O psychologists are experiencing in South Africa. Motivation for this study I-O psychologists confronted with ethical dilemmas may fail to differentiate between right and wrong because of the complexity and relative obscurity of some of the ethical standards they have to apply (Ergene, 2004; Gumu_ & Gumu_; 2010). During 2015/2016 a number of ethical dilemmas were put forward via the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa’s (SIOPSA) Ethics helpline. The expectation is that I-O psychologists should have a sound understanding of ethical standards and professional responsibilities, be on the forefront of literary developments, rely on a sound integration between personal ethics and professional ethics and continually use self-questioning to deal with ethical dilemmas (Herlihy & Corey, 2006; Pope & Vasquez, 2007; Welfel, 2006). The integrity of the profession is reliant on the extent to which I-O psychologists can regulate their own behaviour and view selfregulation as worth the work it involves (Pope et al., 1987; Lindén, 2008). Thus, the main focus of the study is to explore the ethical dilemmas that I-O psychologists are experiencing in the South African context of work. This is potentially useful in situations where I-O psychologists have to employ sound ethical reasoning to resolve an ethical dilemma that they will most likely be faced with. This is an opportunity for I-O psychologists to re-evaluate the inherent and professional value system they rely on to guide their ethical decision-making. Research design, approach and method: This study used an interpretivist paradigm as it’s a methodological approach and a qualitative methodology for collecting data an exploratory approach was used to gain a better understanding of the ethical dilemmas facing I-O psychologists in South Africa (Dreyer, 2016; Robson, 2002) and for ongoing adjustments to the research design. The researcher used a multiple-case strategy as this allowed the investigation to use replication logic (Zach, 2006). Focus group discussions were scheduled at six of the SIOPSA branches and were guided by a semi-structured discussion format. These focus groups took part in a one day workshop at their SIOPSA branch. The facilitator put a prepared question to the participants to initiate discussion and followed this with additional questions when new themes were identified or to improve the interviewer’s understanding of the participants’ responses (Bryman & Bell, 2007). Data was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Main findings: The researcher identified main themes and sub themes with underlying facets through investigating the frequency with which these themes and sub-themes were addressed throughout all six events at the SIOPSA branches. The themes and sub-themes were discussed in detail. The main themes were labelled Scope of practice, Assessments, Education and Internships. Under Scope of practice the underlying sub themes were labelled Scope creep, Conduct, Contracting and Application. The underlying sub themes for Assessments are Instrument, Conduct, Data and Results. Under Education the researcher identified Academic, Board exams and Professional as sub themes, and the sub themes for Internships were labelled Programmes and Workplace. Practical implications: The results of the study could assist I-O psychologists to better understand their world of work by informing them about where ethical dilemmas are prevalent. It should therefore also assist them to be more proactive in their decision-making when they are faced with an ethical dilemma in the workplace. Contribution/value-add: This study assisted in gathering the latest information on ethical practice and contributing to a better understanding of ethical dilemmas in the field of I-O psychology.