Institutional Observation Nick Sarra & Lynn McClelland Academic Tutors, DClinPsy Exeter

Institutional Observation This is a practice based module aimed at helping to develop an awareness of institutional dynamics. Psychologists often work in complex environments, populated by a variety of professional groups with differing and sometimes conflictual interests. The achievement of clinical outcomes and organisational objectives at work depends upon the quality of human interaction which is frequently unpredictable and non linear in its process. By exploring an aspect of institutional life through their own experience, we hope to enhance their capacity to make sense of and orientate themselves through, a complex organisational environment.

To select an aspect of institutional life which interests you and to which you can negotiate access. To study this aspect, paying particular attention to the ways in which people interact together. To explore your findings with your student peer group, tutors and if possible, with those involved in the situations which you are observing. What Is The Task?

Themes 1. Power relationships. 2.Issues of authority and how it gets located, used and responded to. 3.Issues of hierarchy, both formal and informal. 4.Paradigms of control and the uses of corporate or professional rhetoric. 5.Informal networks of communication and alliance building such as gossip. 6.Subjectivity : Your own felt experience. 7.Role interaction and positioning between people. 8.How identity gets influenced/constructed at work. 9.How and who defines the truth of what is occurring. 10.Social defenses against anxiety. 11.Role of environment, territory, space and architecture 12.Group and inter group dynamics (especially the positioning of insiders and outsiders, scapegoating and groupthink)