I chose to post the image of a square peg and round hole because it has the opportunity to represent conflicting views or beliefs. Most people describe this particular image as representing an organizational culture that is resistant to change. In education, some might infer that the image represents an organization that is trying their hardest to make something that was designed for a totally different purpose meet our needs. Others might see the square peg as a student that doesn't fit the mold for the way individuals see public education, therefore the educators will force the student to fit and in turn damage the goods! I like to think a little bit differently. When I was looking for an image to represent the perceived organizational culture that surrounds me, I came across this and immediately reacted. From my reaction, I immediately began looking for an image where the peg's shape wasn't being altered to fit. Rather, the hole's shape was altered to meet the need of the peg. No such luck! It made me wander in the symbolic world we live in, why no one has posted a single image to represent this. (At least not that I could find.. and if you do find one, I would love to see it because I could use it for an idea I have!)
I like to think that my organizational culture embraces and thrives in the innovative thinking required for meeting the challenges we face in terms of the latter rather than the former square-peg analogy. However, I'm not that naive. As Morgan stated in Chapter 7 of Images of Organization, "Structures, rules, behaviors, beliefs and the patterns of culture that define an organization are not just corporate phenomena." From this, it would be wrong for me to think that an organization's culture can be conformed to meet the ideals of the leadership of the organization itself. Morgan goes on to state that the culture and organization itself is derived from a variety of personal level reflections and beliefs.
It is for this reason, that I chose the square peg and round hole as my image. Resistance to change, the need to change what doesn't fit to meet OUR needs, and the desire for a shift to changing what doesn't fit about us to meet THEIR needs sums up the views of those that surround me. I apt to believe that the culture of our organization is indeed a sum of all the personal beliefs and ideals of those that work within the organization itself. It is for this reason that I believe that changing an organization's culture is dependent upon casting light on the unknown and/or unspoken and increasing the organizations abilities or knowledge in what to do instead. Knowledge in education can create opportunities for change only if and when we do something!
Gene,
ReplyDeleteI like the way you've turned the conventional metaphor around. How do you think other folks in the organization would view this? Would the mainstream culture of the organization see the peg or the hole as the one that needs to be modified to fit? If the culture is indeed about flexibility and accomodation, what are symbols of that?
Vachel
Unfortunately, I'm afraid that the majority of the mainstream culture would say that they see the hole as the subject of the modifications however, the actions of the mainstream still tend to reflect the opposite. However, I do believe that the acknowledgment of the need to modify the hole, indicates a shift in the paradigm that is beginning to take place. This shift is slow and we seem to be on the right track.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the flexibility and accommodation, my first grade teachers have adapted the symbolic representation of the rubber band to describe themselves. They continue to convince themselves that they are flexible, pliable, accommodating to structural change and willing to stretch their own thoughts and ideas, all while remaining resilient! I would have to agree that this is a good representation of most in our organization while handling the shift.
I like your ideas about change and how we want others to change to meet our expectations. Educators do tend to do that. The rubber band symbol is great for teachers: They do need to be flexible and to bounce back. Where however, do we need to let the band break or the hole stay square? What our are non-negotiables? Where do we become too wishy-washy? For me, this is hard for with students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds whether the background be poverty or abuse or a combination. I want to give those kids everything to be successful. Then I second-guess myself and wonder if that flexibility can set them up for failure in the real world. When something is a parental responsibility like signing a reading log or helping with a project, the teacher and I will work something out. When the problem is homework or classwork, we do try to hold the child accountable unless things are such a mess that their is no way the child can get work done at home or at school. Sometimes it's a fine line.
ReplyDeleteMary... those are the same issues that I have on a daily basis and I think it is ok to question ourselves. If we don't question ourselves, then we are making judgements based upon our initial reactions. We know that is often not a very good decision that was made. I think it is possible to hold all students to the same expectations, but how we assist them in meeting those expectations may look very different than what we are familiar with. I wish that I could find the perfect answer, because I'd share it with you and we'd be rich! lol
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I think that too often education operates under the notion of one-size-fits-all approach. This is evident in the ABC formula, AYP and state testing which occurs every year!
I, too, feel your impulse to want to change the shape of the hole rather than the peg, Gene. Hopefully we are all here learning to be leaders so we will at least be able to influence the shape of the hole! But perhaps we need not only to look at the hole itself, but the material that is used to shape it. No matter how many ways we shape the hole, there will always be pegs that don't fit a set, prescribed mold that is rigid and inflexible. I think we need to use materials that are highly malleable, that are living and breathing, and that easily adapt to accommodate the great diversity of "pegs" among us. Likewise, we should look at changing our tools. Do we rally want to use/need the force of a hammer?
ReplyDeleteVery insightful Susan. I agree, a hammer is not always the best tool. However, I think it does play a part in the tool box we carry because there are times when it is needed!
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, we do need a more malleable foundation that is able to recreate its shape to meet the needs of the diversity we are presented. However, my hesitation exists in questioning if such a foundation can really support an organization or system for the long haul!
Gene this image is great and the idea of needing to change the hole is how I see the legislation intervening into education. New regulations and outcomes are the peg being hammered into a square classroom. We need to adjust instruction to meet outside demands.
ReplyDeleteIn thinking about EOGs alone, the hole is modified by Extend 1, 2 and NCCLAS. However, the AYP and ABC standards are the same size hole.
ReplyDeleteIn comparing the hole to Common Formative Assessments, districts have began changing the shape of the hole.
As for schools at large, I can't help but think of the Ron Clark Academy or the example of Freedom Writers, the hole didn't change or did it?
The same testing takes place (same hole that had to fit in)...yet the students were molded to fit. So is the hole the testing outcomes in this case OR is it the way we run our schools that represents the hole?