The world of work in the 21st century is very different from what it was as recently as ten years ago. Today’s workplace is technological and multi-cultural. Work is often accomplished by teams rather than by single individuals. The computer dominates the workplace. In any given company or department, we find greater diversity in terms of demographic characteristics, interests, and styles than in past decades. Although mental and physical abilities remain important attributes for predicting job success, personality and interpersonal skills are receiving increased attention. A satisfying life is now defined as striking a balance between work and non-work. In addition, the psychological “stability” of work may be at an all-time low. Mergers, acquisitions, downsizing, outsourcing, and radically changing technologies have all made the idea of “life-long employment” at one company, or even in one occupation, much less likely than in earlier times. All of these themes will appear in the text and will be tied together in a way that acknowledges the rich and intriguing nature of the modern workplace.

Combining top-notch research, consulting, and teaching credentials, Landy and Conte have used their expertise to give students an up-to-date knowledge base that helps them become sophisticated “consumers” of the principles of I-O psychology as they are applied in the workplace. Students will not only gain familiarity with I-O psychology concepts, they will also become critical evaluators of contemporary issues and research so that their education carries well past the conclusion of the course.