About definitions

One of the most practical applications that organizational psychology has to offer the world of work is the importance of defining the terms or "constructs" at the heart of relevant issues and problems.

Think about it. How many times have you heard your colleagues talk about "culture change" or "engagement" or "leadership" without clearly articulating what any of those things really mean? 

Yet terms such as "culture" really do not exist in any sort of "common-sense" version that everyone innately understands and agrees upon.

While organizational scientists may define — or "operationalize" — fundamental constructs differently from one another, at least their definitions are informed by careful study. Thus, the academic literature provides leaders with a defensible starting point from which to "operationalize" the fundamental concepts that will be vital for planning and evaluating their own change initiatives.

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