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Organizational Edge - Our Sense of Identity

What’s in a name?

The meaning of our world is generated through the way we use words together.  In this sense language is not a mirror or reflection of life; you could say that language is the ‘doing of life itself’.  From the way we talk about ourselves and the way others talk about us we gather identity.  Our identities become importantly fashioned by the texts of representation.  This happens at the level of the individual, it also takes place for the various collective entities of which we are all members: societies or clubs, charities or organizations, and political parties or religious faiths.

Corporate identity is given meaning and fashioned by the way we talk about our own organization and the way others talk about it.  We felt this to be important when we created and named ‘Organizational Edge’.  We decided that the name should have meaning that aligned closely to the narrative of what we do and who we are.  Hence over a period of reflection and discussion we settled on the combination of two words we felt were imbued with meaning, and which together provided insight into our identity.

But why Organizational Edge? 

Why push these two words together to form a key element of our identity?  The first aspect is quite straightforward, and this links our corporate identity to that of our profession.  Essentially, we are organizational psychologists, working with each client to support, create and initiate sustainable change and growth within their organizations and with their people, employees, customers and providers.  Hence, the term ‘Organizational’ gives us meaning, related to our profession. 

Additionally, it has long been the tradition of our profession to use the older English form of spelling – with a ‘z’ – this we decided to maintain, to fix our membership within this category (the European School of Organizational Psychology).  In this way it provides a symbolic foundation of our psychological focus.

Yet, there’s a great deal more to it than this.  When you take a look at the definitions (shown below and provided by the OED) of ‘organization’, ‘organize’ and ‘edge’ some of these other critical aspects become very apparent.

The definitions are full of ideas and notions that are central to what we do.  From ‘organize’ we collect ideas that are concerned with: recognising the centrality of people in business structures, the needs associated with working with others, the ideas of forming an organic whole, and the activities of initiating, shaping and arranging. 

Also, when linked to the word ‘Edge’, the ideas expand, to highlight our effort in recognising and working across many different boundaries; these may be practical or research based, emotional and rational, tactical and strategic, people and processes, and internal and external. 

‘Edge’ also provides some ideas linked to key characteristics of our identity; we are incisive in approach, show keenness of mind, and relish the enthusiasm of the challenge.  And, finally, the idea of ‘Edge’ suggests the ‘cusp of change’, where working with our clients we can help bring about sustainable and positive difference.

Impact on Partners

In some ways, our name partly defines our client partners.  These tend to be progressive organizations, large and small, who are pushing at the boundaries with clear ideas for growth and positive change, and are demanding and excited about the opportunity for success. 

Similarly, there are many ways in which our name defines our people.  Knowledge, experience and wisdom are important, so too are people who can work effectively with all colleagues (clients, our associates and providers, and the team itself).  But we also need to have people who are able to work across boundaries, able to demonstrate quick, incisive thinking, who demonstrate a keenness to shape and deliver impactful work, and who are excited, enthused and motivated by their work.

So, ‘Organizational Edge’!

For us, there’s a great deal of meaning compressed into our name.  It encapsulates so many elements of our thinking and identity, and places this into just two words – Organizational Edge!

Organization n. (also –isation) 1. the act or an instance of organizing; the state of being organized. 2. an organized body, esp. a business, government department, charity, etc. 3. systematic arrangement; tidiness.

Organize v.tr. 1.a give an orderly structure to, systematize. b. bring the affairs of (another person or oneself) into order; make arrangements for (a person). 2. a. arrange for or initiate. b. provide, take responsibility for. 3.a. form (different elements) into an organic whole. b form an organic whole.

Edge n. & v. 1. a boundary line or margin of an area or surface. 2. a narrow surface of a thin object. 3. the meeting line of two surfaces of a solid. 4.a. the sharpened side of a blade of cutting instrument or weapon. b. the sharpness of this. 5. the area close to a steep drop. 6. anything compared to an edge. 7.a. incisiveness, excitement. b. keenness, excitement.