The sixth discipline of the learning organisation – understanding the psychology of individual constructs and the organisation (or PICTO)

Abstract

This paper considers organisational development in relation to the practice of educational psychology. It argues that an understanding of the field is vital if we are to shape future professional practice to meet changing demands. The paper undertakes a review of recent work on ‘learning organisations’ since the literature and practice is central to many developments in organisations today. It argues that the work of Senge (1993, 1994) has helped with understanding, but has missed a crucial component of organisations and how they develop – namely the psychology of individuals within organisations. The paper reviews some of the literature and then draws conclusions about the implications in educational psychology services, schools, local authorities and national settings. The thesis put forward is that educational psychologists need to be able to analyse power structures within organisations at both the formal and informal level and to be able to gain an understanding of constructs that key individuals have in relation to the educational psychologist’s objectives. The educational psychologist then needs to be able to understand how to engage in a ‘reconstructive’ dialogue where appropriate to help effect organisational development.