The Research-Practice Gap in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Related Fields : Challenges and Potential Solutions

The gap between science and practice in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and related fields is large and, some believe, getting larger. Although not everyone views this as a matter for concern, there is growing momentum to take actions to strengthen the interface between science and practice. The present paper examines three underlying sources of the gap: lack of awareness of what the other side knows and cares about; lack of belief or confidence in the knowledge generated or held by the other side; and lack of implementation of knowledge or ideas, even in the face of awareness and belief. Based on this analysis, proposed solutions are offered for each source of the gap, as are directions for future research and practice