Mindfulness and School Organization

• In Event: Organizational Theory in and out of Practice

Abstract

Organizational mindfulness refers to an organization’s collective disposition toward learning and supports its ongoing quest for effective and reliable performance. Descended from Buddhist thought, mindfulness draws attention to a leader’s awareness of the moment and subsequent decision making and is informed by in-the-moment observation and attentiveness. Western perspectives concerning organizational mindfulness have focused on the development of practices designed to increase highly reliable leadership performance. Mindful leadership is focused on potential threats to organizational performance and leadership effort is oriented toward eliminating or minimizing negative impact. In turn, mindful practice sets the stage for school leaders to engage the school community in becoming active partners in communal knowledge creation with the intent of improving classroom practice, student learning, and well-being.

Author

• Sharon D. Kruse, Washington State University - Vancouver