1. In your answer, identify the main lines of argument and differences in points of view between the commentators and the author. Justify your own point of view regarding the importance of reflection to individual and organisational performance.
In his article, “I Don't Have Time to Think!, Versus the Art of Reflective Practice”, Joseph Raelin defined the importance of reflective practice, laid down organizational strategies that encourage reflection, and called for developing the skills of reflection. Two commentators, namely Phillip DiChiara and Philip McArthur, presented contra-arguments as to the standpoint of the author on reflective practices. DiChiara's main argument evolves around the creation of a “safe space” to make reflection viable, whereas McArthur reckons the key barrier to reflection-in-action is not necessarily time but skill. Besides, he disagrees with the author on how to apply certain skills of reflection at the individual or collective levels.
Philip DiChiara opines that the concept of reflective practise is essentially unknown to many practitioners. His main argument is that reflective practice can never flourish if the organization or managers do not set the stage and create an environment for reflection. He argues that managers have to facilitate the correct balance between “getting down to business” and nurturing a conducive environment for refection in order to engage their peers. In his belief, this is essentially due to the differences from group to group, within a group, and often within a topic. Failure to take into account the right balance and the unique perspective of each organizations is regarded as an obstacle to yield fruitful results. The author advocates for the creation of a “safe space” that would become the cornerstone to nurture reflection and make it viable, since reflection is less likely to occur without that space.