At Planned Parenthood I have noticed that there is somewhat a lack of communication among the larger divisions and smaller divisions within the organization. In addition, the concept of integration is one that has never really been introduced as a method to increase fluidity among the entire PPH facility.
The interdisciplinary process is a great strategy for problem-solving and brainstorming ideas. This method is useful for everyone when partaking in day to day tasks but it is even more successful when used within places of business. During my first week at the PPH office, I had a meeting with the top three coordinating activists from the public policy, marketing and communication departments and these women were very curious as to what interdisciplinary studies actually was. All three of them have college degrees from well known universities around the country but none of them had heard of interdisciplinary studies as a field of education. I did my very best to start from the basics and explain the ideal of integration as a method of solving issues and expanding knowledge. THEY LOVED IT! This concept really attracted them and has sparked a new interest in the way that they want to approach their work and interact more collectively as a team.
In order for this new method to unfold in an organized manner a plan of action is required! The first thing that needs to be done is these three "top dogs" need to schedule a action meeting with the director of PPH and educate her on the new plan of action. After that, they can work as a small group to come up with some different training events that will aid in the understanding of the interdisciplinary process throughout their entire organization. This will bring much more success and positivity because instead of PPH working under one main idea with sporadic little ideas coming from here and there, this will give every single person their own voice and real opportunity to bring to the table what education they know to better "integrate" these things together and hopefully solve/understand/brainstorm that much faster and efficiently.
Hi Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI think that's so neat that those three "top dogs" at your site really loved the idea of Interdisciplinary Studies! I too have had to explain what BIS is from the bottom up since most people aren't familiar with it; glad it worked to your advantage within your internship!! Also interesting to note is that I couldn't agree with yuo more about INTEGRATION. I agree that Team Top Dogs should call an action meeting in with the director of PPH; this would give them a chance to implement what YOU taught them about the importance of holistic approaches in day-to-day problem solving. This will work to the advantage of everyone because, as you pointed out, it will allow every individual person to have a "voice" and opportunity to bring something new to the table for the greater interest of the organization. In one of my courses within Family Studies we talked about this very concept of integration. Team work is essential so when there are distinguishable 'leaders' things have the tendency to become unorganized or miscommunicated. Hopefully your remaining two weeks at PPH will be a chance to witness this change...and know it's in large part to you! :-)
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteAs you have introduced, it seems as if you have recognized a lack of communication within the divisions of the Planned Parenthood Organization. As an interdisciplinary student, this was most likely easily recognizable to you, seeing that integration is a major aspect of what we are taught to do. By separating the larger and smaller divisions, you are probably able to see the lack of communication and success that could be succeeded if the company was integrated as a whole to it’s parts. That’s great you had the opportunity to teach the well-educated, top three coordinating activists something besides them just teaching you! The fact they were unaware of what interdisciplinary studies is may have helped them understand and open doors to a different outlook and way to approach their company, maybe something along the lines of what you were saying should be done, such as more integration between the larger and smaller divisions. I agree with your plan of action completely! Once the three “top dogs” have now been introduced to your policy, they will hopefully take it into consideration and organize and facilitate a meeting that will help with a new plan of action. I love your thoughts on giving every single person their “own voice”. I feel like that is so important, both in the world field and personally. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and usually by bringing multiple opinions, thoughts, and “voices” together, huge things can be accomplished. Good luck in helping make the changes you hope to see in your company, and introducing the interdisciplinary factors of integration to help in it’s improvements!!
Elizabeth Schlewitz