Psychologists working in management - why and how, opportunities and challenges
This unique book explores the challenges and opportunities for psychologists entering leadership and management roles, whether in NGOs, commercial, health, or other organizations. It examines the motivations and advantages of psychologists in management, their potential limitations and ways to overcome them, and also provides practical career advice. The main points are vividly illustrated by exemplary profiles of real-life psychologist careers and brief vignettes.
From the Reviews:
"This book should be read by any psychologist who is, or will be, in a supervisory or leadership position. [...] The core message is so valuable that it needs to get out to all psychologists and psychology students.
"The primary focus, ... is to help psychologists employed in management positions understand the strengths that they bring to the table, as well as to highlight the core areas of management and leadership that are required for success [...]
"This book is a primer on management principles and practices.
"Although the main focus of the book is on psychologists who are employed in executive leadership positions, nearly every psychologist will benefit from reading this book. A clinical psychologist in private practice is operating a business, and a basic understanding of management can help.
"Even academic and research psychologists may, at some time in their careers, find themselves in a department chair or other administrative position that will require a fundamental knowledge of business administration and strategic management/leadership."
Ronald E. Riggio, PhD, Henry R. Kravis Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology and former director of the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College, in PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 58, 2013
Recent praise
"At a time when organizations and job markets are going through rapid change, The Psychologist Manager provides an important contribution to the leadership and career literatures. Kelly and Finkelman offer important and practical insights, specifically to the question, "What role can psychologists play in the changing world of business?" This is a book that every traditional psychologist, either in management or thinking about moving into management, needs to read. It provides concepts, skills, and specific advice for traversing the changing world of both profit and not-for-profit organizations in the 21st century."
Stephen P. Robbins, Professor Emeritus of Management at San Diego State University, and the world's #1 best-selling textbook author in the areas of management and organizational behavior
"As discussions about the need for excellence and relevance in leadership continue to dominate political, educational, business, and community stages, this book brings a focused and refreshing application of concepts and principles of leadership to the work of the psychologist. The Psychologist Manager highlights what psychologists can 'be' and 'do' in their leadership positions and, as such, advances the understanding of the ever-growing applications of the psychology profession. For psychologists privileged to hold leadership positions, this book brings thoughtful and highly transferable information that will help them increase the effectivenessof their leadership responsibilities."
Michele Nealon-Woods, PsyD, President, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
"Interdisciplinary work is a little like Mark Twain's famous quip about the weather: Everyone talks about it but no one does anything about it. Louise Kelly and Jay Finkelman have done a great job of bridging two disciplines that clearly ought to be in close communication. Management is a form of behavioral science, or at least it ought to be. This book uses concepts from psychology to show their clear application to anyone responsible for overseeing the work of others. It is a valuable contribution to an emerging field."
Geoffrey M. Cox, PhD, President, Alliant International University
"For psychologists who are considering (or have made) a transition into management, this book will be a useful and thoughtful guide. Drawing from the literature in the fields of psychology and management as well as their own experiences, Kelly and Finkelman have created a very readable book that combines solid research and practical advice. I particularly liked their use of vignettes, case studies, and profiles of psychologists who have made a successful transition into management. This book will help psychologists clarify a path to productive careers in corporations, health care, education, and NGOs. Furthermore, the development of these effective psychologist-managers will contribute to the creation of positive, healthy, as well as productive workplaces."
Judith S. Blanton, PhD, ABPP, President of Blanton Consulting,Pasadena, California
"A fascinating glimpse into the exciting opportunities the business world holds for psychologists: An unchartered frontier transforming historically diverse cultures. The best and brightest of our next generation will be thrilled to discover from reading this book by visionary, trail blazing experts of their chosen field that they have already learned skills that are transferable to management activities with a little bit of thought and additional training."
Pat DeLeon, PhD, MPH, JD, former President of the American Psychological Association
