Spotlight on Global I-OIndustrial and Organizational

Psychology in CroatiaBy Lori Foster Thompson,

Alexander E. Gloss, and M.K. Ward

Presented by Chelsea Hutto

Shift to “majority” world

Countries that are thought of as developing and which hold the majority of the world’s population.

Focus on Croatia Considered as having very high human

development I-O shaped by progress toward peace and

prosperity

Croatia

Crossroads of Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean

4.29 million people

Independent country in 1991

War- economic infrastructure sustained massive damage, especially in tourism, agricultural, and industrial sectors.

Ranks high in the Central European nations in education, health, quality, of life, and economic dynamism

History of Psychology

Credit to Zoran Bujas Work and fatigue studies (1940s) Created interdisciplinary research program 1980-1990s – organizational dynamics After war – focus on privatization of economy

and social change Work values, organizational climate and culture,

organizational commitment, and psychological consequences of unemployment

Educational Opportunities

Five departments of Psychology High number of applicants 4 year degree replaced by 3 year bachelors

Strong emphasis on methodology Masters degrees also available

Large number of electives PhD’s also available Licensure

Education and Employment

Drawback – no distinctive specializations for I-O or any other subfields of psychology

Large business organizations

Worker productivity, employee training, assessment, and other HR issues

Specialist consultant firms

Personnel recruitment and selection services

Community

Thrive off unofficial networking opportunities

Do not meet very often

Discussion of present and future state of I-O Psychology in Croatia

Future

Assist management with organizational development

Recruitment and selection

Sales, marketing, and PR – new aspects

Tackle issues of globalized and privatized economy

Development of human capital, unemployment, and job security