Final answer:
To think and work holistically in organizations, it's essential to apply systems thinking, engage in self-awareness concerning social and racial justice, use synthesis to integrate diverse information, remain flexible and open to innovation, and create inclusive spaces for diverse voices.
Step-by-step explanation:
To facilitate thinking and working holistically and help organizations to break down barriers between silos, there are several approaches that can be applied. Systems thinking is crucial, as it allows organizations to see the broader context of their operations and how different parts of the system interact. This can be achieved through the incorporation of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which helps understand the various levels of a system and how they influence an individual or organization.
Another way to work holistically is by engaging in introspection and self-awareness to understand the dynamics of social and racial justice within the organization. It involves reflecting on one's experiences and practices when working across groups with different customs and beliefs. This reflection can guide future actions and foster collaboration and understanding across diverse groups.
Furthermore, the use of synthesis helps in combining information from different sources and experiences to develop a new understanding that advances organizational goals. This approach is beneficial in creating connections and engendering a spirit of collaboration, which can be particularly helpful when engaging with intersectional practices.
Organizations should also remain flexible, open to innovation, and willing to adapt to the needs of partners and communities. This can include adopting less hierarchical structures and utilizing non-traditional research methods such as arts-based approaches, which are more inclusive and culturally sensitive.
Finally, creating spaces where voices are heard and respected, and where individuals can explore their realities, is vital. This can lead to more effective interpersonal relationship building and the development of policies that consider multiple dimensions of a problem, including systematic change and power dynamics.