The Power of Possibility: 25 Years of The ABP’s Yuenyeung Spirit

By Max Choi. 

25 years ago, a few enthusiastic Business Psychologists started something that would help our profession. As one of the founding members of The ABP, I thought I would provide my personal perspective on this wonderful journey and what might be next.  

Let me start with an analogy: When you meet someone, they often ask:  

“Would you like a tea or coffee?”  

Well, actually I like ‘Yuenyeung’, which is a Chinese drink made from a mix of tea and coffee. In other words: there are more choices than you think!   

How Did We Begin? 

Before the year 2000, quite a few Business Psychologists were feeling frustrated that the British Psychological Society (BPS) was not responsive to their needs. The BPS was primarily academically focused and did not fully align with the practical and rapidly evolving needs of our organisational clients. We wanted a division within the BPS that was business-focused. But the BPS was not receptive to this. We had to drink their brand of coffee!  

Therefore, about 20 of us got together and decided to make our own ‘Yuenyeung’ – we formed a new association. Not easy, of course, but we felt a strong commitment to making it happen. So the Association of Business Psychologists (as it was originally called) was born.  

Many founding members contributed to getting The ABP started, but the key person we can all thank is the late Brian Baxter. He had the vision needed to get The ABP off the ground, and was the first chair.  

While some founding members fell out with the BPS at the beginning, I am happy to report that The ABP and BPS now work collaboratively together.  

What Did We Want? 

At the time, many of us were already calling ourselves Business Psychologists. We wanted an association that could help us to meet our clients’ needs. And of course, we were interested in supporting each other as a community.  

So, The ABP was formed, and Business Psychology emerged as a more flexible, practice-focused discipline to meet the needs of a changing business world. 

Key Achievements 

Of all of The ABP’s achievements over the years, these are the milestones that stand out to me: 

The Benefits 

The Association continues to offer benefits to the entire professional world: 

Where Next? 

Back to my opening analogy: I really like my ‘Yuenyeung’ with a dash of XO Brandy. But most folks like to stick to their tea or coffee, as it is the safe option to stay within their comfort zone.  

Using an evidence-based approach, I think Business Psychologists can help clients to better evaluate all their options.  

Greater Strategy Support 

We have made good progress. Before The ABP, we were viewed as the Occupational Psychologist that HR invites in to look after testing. Sounds like the tea option to me! 

Now, Business Psychologists don’t just work for HR. Often we are invited to support the Board on key projects. Especially since the formation of The ABP, this has taken off, and I hope to see much more of this going forward. Business Psychologists should support more strategic projects – to really explore the ‘Yuenyeung’ options!  

Only seeing tea-or-coffee-style solutions is so common. But we have the science and know-how to solve a lot of the world’s problems. Take a lack of clean water, which leads to people dying, for example. The technology is all there; we can desalinate seawater, but that needs lots of energy. But then we also know how to produce cheap energy. So, it is just a case of seeing the ‘Yuenyeung’ and believing in what is possible. Business Psychologists may have a role to play in bridging gaps like these – and perhaps saving the world!  

Opportunities and Challenges with AI 

The world is already experiencing significant changes due to AI. However, AI development is still evolving. It is created by individuals who may not fully understand human behaviour. Recent advancements in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) led by neuroscientist Demis Hassabis at DeepMind are helping to bridge this gap. Consequently, I believe Business Psychologists will play a crucial role in transforming AI into AGI. 

Business Psychologists can also add substantial value by ensuring AI is well applied and used ethically and responsibly within organisations. 

An Association for All 

These past 25 years, The ABP has provided a clear brand for Business Psychology that is now recognised and appreciated. We have a great community that supports us and welcomes all.

The future will be challenging, but with The ABP leading the way, it should be rewarding and interesting for Business Psychology Practitioners.