Growing the industrial and organisational psychology profession and ensuring that it is responsive to societal challenges are Dr Anton Schlechter's top priorities as he takes over the senior position in the field.

Schlechter, a senior lecturer at UCT's Section for Organisational Psychology in the School of Management Studies, was recently appointed president-elect of the Society for Industrial/Organisational Psychology in South Africa (SIOPSA). He begins a one-year term as president in June next year.

The society was established to develop a fair and human work environment and conditions conducive to efficiency. To this end, SIOPSA strives to create conditions in which I/O psychologists will be able to deliver efficient and effective services for the benefit of all in South Africa.

Schlechter has been a member of the society's Western Cape committee for the past three years, and wants to build on SIOPSA's strengths.

"I would like to make sure that the organisation grows in stature, and that the profession, both in practice and in academia, is relevant to the current challenges facing the country," Schlechter explains.