The scientist–practitioner divide revisited: From bridging a gap to navigating the layers of a knowledge ecosystem

Abstract

Discussions about the scientist–practitioner divide have shaped industrial, work and organizational psychology (IWOP), including landmark publications in this journal ( Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology 74 , 2001, 391–411; Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology 79 , 2006, 173–178). Yet, this dyadic metaphor may no longer reflect the complexity of the IWOP knowledge landscape. Drawing on the principles of the divide metaphor, we argue for reconceptualizing IWOP as a knowledge ecosystem, namely a dynamic, multilayered environment in which diverse actors create, translate, contest and apply scientific evidence. We highlight how end‐users extend beyond practitioners to include policymakers, regulators, courts, unions, educators and workers. We further distinguish between end‐users and end‐beneficiaries to illuminate how IWOP knowledge can generate uneven consequences for different recipients. We argue that an ecosystem metaphor enables a more complete and ethically grounded understanding of IWOP knowledge. Finally, we examine how structural forces, such as the prestige trap, can influence what knowledge is produced, rewarded and legitimized.