Research

Work Psychology Group’s research and development activity is primarily focused in the areas of assessment, selection and innovation within organisations. We are proud that our established and multiple award-winning research programme and our publications have had major impact on policy and practice, both in the UK and internationally.

Led by our Director, Professor Fiona Patterson, we conduct research into the development of important personal attributes, values and behaviours required for success at work. These include empathy, communication, teamwork, resilience and integrity. We also design, implement and validate assessment methodologies and developmental interventions.

Our success in developing new research insights has been supported by partnership working with our clients and sponsors, particularly within the professions (e.g. healthcare, law and the judiciary) and in high stakes environments (e.g. construction, energy and finance). This has led to research outputs that bring tangible and timely changes in assessment, selection or organisational change practice and policy.

Translating the very latest research evidence in an accessible, digestible way for our clients to inform organisational change and transformation is a unique strength and part of the WPG signature. Supported by our internal research team and based on the success of WPG collaborative research activities, we have attracted a number of international thought-leading academics to partner with us, as part of our WPG science faculty. These include Professor Filip Lievens, Professor Jennifer Cleland and Professor Steve Woods.

In partnership, we regularly present at international conferences and publish in the highest ranking peer reviewed journals. Our talented team of researchers share the latest research insights with regular learning and development sessions for the wider WPG team to ensure that this expertise is embedded across the company. Current areas of research activities and publications include

• Addressing fairness and diversity in recruitment and assessment practices, especially for those from a BME and a lower-socio-economic background.
• New insights in the design of a range of selection tools (e.g. SJTs, interviews) and how best to construct selection systems to minimise adverse impact.
• Researching best practice use of digital and technology-augmented selection tools to optimise accuracy, efficiency, validity and fairness.
• Developing new evidence-based approaches to educational and training practices to support diversity and more inclusive organisational cultures.

Contact us for more information on our research and publications.