Title: Measuring cognitive aspects of organisational alignment: developing the organisational cognizance questionnaire

Authors: Yan Zhao Tan; Senthu Jeyaraj

Addresses: School of Psychology, James Cook University, Singapore, 600 Upper Thomson Road, 574421, Singapore ' School of Psychology, James Cook University, Singapore, 600 Upper Thomson Road, 574421, Singapore

Abstract: Organisational alignment is predominantly viewed in strategic and structural terms, and this has shaped the way organisations manage change. While various researchers have presented findings of a cognitive dimension of organisational alignment that results in better organisational performance and effectiveness, they appear to be difficult to define and measure. To reduce this knowledge gap, this study aimed to develop and validate an instrument, based on a process-oriented cognitive framework of organisational alignment. The 19-item self-report organisational cognizance questionnaire (OCQ) was constructed based on qualitative research. A hundred and ninety-seven full-time working individuals completed the questionnaire. Construct validity was established using factor analysis. Results revealed a two-factor solution: 1) ideational sharing and strategic sense-making; 2) co-learning and reflection. Cronbachs alpha for the questionnaire is 0.93. Findings shed light on the cognitive aspects of OA. The OCQ offers promise as a diagnostic tool for improving organisational alignment in relation to change.

Keywords: OCQ; organisational cognisance questionnaire; change management; cognitive organisational alignment; ideational sharing; strategic sense-making; co-learning; reflection; organisational alignment; organisational change.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCM.2014.064464

International Journal of Strategic Change Management, 2014 Vol.5 No.3, pp.230 - 261

Received: 15 Oct 2013
Accepted: 23 Apr 2014
Published online: 25 Oct 2014 *

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