Promoting Skill Development and Positive Change: An Organizational Development Project for Industrial-Organizational Psychology Courses

Background Organizational development is necessary for maintaining and promoting a positive work environment. Objective We present a unique organizational development project emphasizing understanding and applying industrial-organizational psychology concepts to resolve workplace issues and motivate organizational improvement. Method The design of the organizational development project follows both project- and problem-based learning methods. As such, the organizational development project asked students in an industrial-organizational psychology course to critically examine multifaceted workplace problems and provide evidence-based solutions. Results Students reported that the organizational development project helped them meet course learning objectives and stimulated skill development in important areas like problem-solving, professional communication, and consideration of diverse ideas. Conclusion The content and skill development associated with the organizational development project can contribute to students’ personal and professional success. Teaching Implications Instructors can use this project to foster students’ comprehension of organizational development. The opportunity to practice analyzing complicated organizational situations can enhance skill development and workforce readiness. As a result, students may be better prepared to understand how industrial-organizational principles can contribute to productive, inclusive, safe, and meaningful organizational climates.