Practice research as Organizational Development

The role of co-research and critical psychologies in collaborative development of social work practices and organizations

Abstract

 This paper explores how insights from critical psychologies and practice research can have a broader impact through their mobilization in developing organizations and practices that deal with complex psychosocial development. It draws on a practice research project conducted at a Danish residential care institution for young people, demonstrating how collaborative organizational development processes mediated by critical psychological theories can support the co-construction of professional knowledge and the development of new professional discursive practices. The project fostered a shift, where professionals moved from individualizing, relationship-focused theories, discourses and practices to more contextualized and empowering approaches to understand and facilitate young people’s development. Key outcomes include the emergence of a shared professional language, enhanced reflective practice, and collective learning, highlighting the potential of practice research as a framework for empowering professionals, improving practices and developing organizations.