Strategy and aims

Mission

To promote and support the development and application of Work and Organizational Psychology in Europe and to facilitate links between scientists and practitioners working in this field across Europe.

EAWOP as an Organization

EAWOP was founded in 1991, and is based on the philosophy of multiformity. It takes the political, cultural and linguistic diversity of Europe as a point of departure and acknowledges the existence of various intellectual communities that differ in the way they view and approach the problems of W&O psychology. Recognizing the fundamental equality of these intellectual communities, EAWOP tries to open boundaries and establish effective and durable links of co-operation.

EAWOP has been designed as an open network in which associations (called ‘Constituents’) as well as individual members can participate. Associations – in many cases ‘sections’ or ‘divisions’ of national psychological associations – are expected to play a crucial role in EAWOP by opening some of their activities to EAWOP members from other countries, and by cooperating with other associations in so-called ‘Dedicated Networks’ related to particular issues relevant for W&O psychology. Associations may also organize special activities in cooperation with other associations and/or the EAWOP secretariat. Individuals can take part as members of Constituents, i.e. through a collective arrangement, or on a direct, personal basis.

EAWOP is made up of a General Assembly, a Constituent Council, and an Executive Committee (EC). The highest body in EAWOP is the General Assembly. It decides about the general policy and budget of the association. It also elects the President and the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee develops, elaborates and implements EAWOP's policy and fulfils all further roles vis à vis the members and the outside world. Support is given by Task Forces and the Secretariat. The Constituent Council, composed by representatives of the Constituents, advises the Executive Committee on any relevant matter. There is considerable room for activities that are not under direct control of the General Assembly or the Executive Committee. Such activities take place in Dedicated Networks (run by Constituents) and Spontaneous Networks (run by individual members).

European context for W/O Psychology

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC), formed by six countries in 1958. This fact makes the EU an excellent place for promoting Work and Organizational Psychology. Nonetheless, EAWOP also recognizes that European W/O Psychology is much more than just the EU. Within the EU developing legislation on a European Diploma in Psychology aims to provide for mobility of labor by establishing a common qualification standard for professional practice. EAWOP, through the EC, has taken a view that such a qualification recognizes the specific knowledge and skills needed in Work and Organizational Psychology. Consultancies in Europe have developed a greater presence around the world, which could significantly affect the way European W/O Psychology is shaped in the future. The “EU 20 Strategy” describes a strategy for the current decade where prosperity will come from human and social capital, innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge, in a context characterized by cooperation and integration among European countries, mobility, and dialogue with other cultures. These goals are congruent with the activities of W/O psychologists and should be considered by EAWOP.

Strategic Aims

The EC has identified five key strategic aims for EAWOP. These are:

1. Increasing influence;
2. Engaging in innovation & development;
3. Enhancing communication;
4. Improving operation;
5. and stimulating quality of working life and effectiveness.

Objectives

The long-term, overarching objectives of EAWOP for the next period are:

1. To administer the affairs of EAWOP professionally;
2. To increase EAWOP membership, including student members and Constituents;
3. To raise the visibility of EAWOP within Europe, and influence European legislation to the benefit of the goals of W/O Psychologists.

Short-term objectives/activities (to Münster 2013)

1. To enhance services to members, through small group meetings, summer schools, practitioner skills workshops, and the new website.
2. To professionalize EAWOP.
3. To develop the Specialized Certificate work and Organizational Psychology.
4. To sign a contract with one of the Constituents regarding the EAWOP congress for 2015. 

Longer-term objectives/activities (to 2015)

1. To maintain and enhance the success of the biennial EAWOP congress.
2. To increase the membership of Constituents and their involvement in the decision-making processes of EAWOP.
3. To increase individual memberships.
4. To increase contact and influence with relevant European bodies and institutions.
5. To intensify collaboration with IAAP and SIOP through the Alliance of Organizational Psychology.
6. To harmonize the growth of our journals: European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, Organizational Psychology Review, and the ejournal In-Practice.
7. To ensure EAWOP maintains a healthy financial standing.

Suggested activities

1. Provide a new web infrastructure that allows the website to be continuously updated, and that allows a members only section and a constituents forum.
2. Conduct pilots with the Specialized Certificate in several countries.
3. Market the EAWOP website.
4. Seek out sponsorship for EAWOP.
5. Co-operate and work with EFPA to advance EAWOP interests.
6. Review EAWOP statutes and rules.