The gap between research and professional practice in work and organizational psychology: Tensions, beliefs, and options

The development of work and organizational psychology (WOP) was partially due to the effort toward trying to solve concrete problems resulting from the dynamics of the social systems within the framework of work organizations. However, for many decades, there has been a significant gap between scientific knowledge that has been produced and the professional practices implemented in the organizations. This chapter briefly analyzes this problem in its different dimensions. It analyzes the tensions at stake, either between knowledge produced in the research and its applicability in professional practice or at the academic community level and the teaching practices at the university. It also explains some of the main factors that influence the dynamic of the current situation. Taking into account the debate and the evolution in other subjects, it also presents alternatives to build and solidify bridges to reduce the gap between the two worlds, in order to increase (a) the relevance of research to the professional practice and its actual efficacy and (b) the contribution of professionals to the development and practical relevance of research and the advance of scientific knowledge in this field.