PcM studying - Organizational Health
I am taking PcM this Saturday and am baffled by the question on the NCARB practice exam referencing "organizational health". Not finding a reference to this topic anywhere in AHPP. Does anyone know if there is study material for this topic? Or is this one of those fun PcM things we're meant to just spontaneously be aware of?
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I assume you're referencing this question:
The main points to focus on are being a more "socially responsible" firm and maintaining a healthy organization. The question doesn't have any sources to reference, but it's less about finding the right source and more thinking of what makes a firm healthy to work for. Limiting computer time, a wellness program, and a diverse staff would lend to that.
Structured breaks and a fixed schedule, while they could be healthy, may not be best practice in architecture with deadlines and extra hours needed at times. Donating billable hours isn't conducive to a healthy and structured business, and neither is unlimited overtime.
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Hi Anthony -- thanks for your response. The explanation you provided is included in the practice exam material so I was looking for something that elaborates a bit more. By your logic, for example, limiting times of extended computer use is infeasible on a deadline -- 90% of our work (or more) is on computers. Would love some guidance toward the sources from which NCARB is drawing their information on social responsibility of employers. Otherwise, seems unfair to be tested on such a subjective matter.
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Hi Margaret Hall,
Check out Section 4.1 in the Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (15th Edition), particularly pages 122-125 which covers Socially Responsible Design Practices and the specific factors noted in this question/answers.
When encountering a question that covers a topic that you didn't come across when studying or may not be directly familiar with, try to take a step back and look at the question objectively. Relate it to real life experiences and try to develop the most plausible answer(s) based on what you already know. Utilizing the process of elimination could also help, and it may be easier to find the "wrong" answers rather than trying to determine the right ones.
Good luck on your upcoming exam! You are going to do awesome :)
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Black Spectacles
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