Herb Koplowitz

Requisite Organization and Post-Logical Thinking

Herb Koplowitz is a psychologist with a background in mathematics and philosophy, holding a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Massachusetts. He is known for his work in organizational psychology and management consulting, particularly in applying principles of Requisite Organization (RO), a theory developed by Elliott Jaques (whom we discussed previously).

While his primary professional focus is in consulting, his academic background and contributions highlight a strong grounding in developmental psychology, especially cognitive development in adulthood.

Key aspects of Herb Koplowitz’s work and contributions include:

• Application of Elliott Jaques’s Requisite Organization (RO): Koplowitz is a prominent figure in the Global Organization Design Society and has dedicated much of his career to implementing and explaining Jaques’s concepts. This includes:

• Helping organizations develop the structure, staffing, and leadership required to achieve strategic goals, based on RO principles.

• Specializing in helping employees, managers, and executives develop clearer ways of thinking and talking about organizational issues to find more effective solutions.

• Authoring resources and participating in discussions related to RO, including topics like the “time-span of discretion” (a measure of work complexity), accountability, and the alignment of human capability with work roles.

• Academic Focus on Human Development (Cognitive Development): His academic background specifically included a focus on Jean Piaget’s developmental theories. This provided a foundation for his understanding of Jaques’s stages of cognitive development throughout life. Koplowitz has written about “post-logical thinking” and different stages of adult thinking, and how these affect problem-solving and decision-making in work organizations. His work indicates an interest in how cognitive capacity continues to develop and influence an individual’s ability to handle increasingly complex tasks in adulthood, aligning with Jaques’s ideas on the maturation of human capability.

• Integration of Philosophy and Psychology: His background in mathematics and philosophy is evident in his approach to psychological concepts, emphasizing “clear thinking and clear writing,” rigorous definitions, and conceptual frameworks. He has explored fundamental questions about “life, mind, and soul,” integrating philosophical insights with psychological understanding, particularly through the lens of Jaques’s work.

• Management Consulting and Organizational Design: As the President of Terra Firma Management Consulting, he assists organizations in designing effective structures, filling roles with suitable individuals, and training managers in requisite leadership skills. He works to improve organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and trust by ensuring clarity in roles and accountability.

In essence, Herb Koplowitz bridges the gap between developmental psychology (especially adult cognitive development as conceptualized by Piaget and Jaques) and the practical application of these principles in organizational design and management. His work helps explain how an understanding of adult cognitive growth can be used to create more effective and humane workplaces.