Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: May 15, 2025
Date Accepted: Dec 4, 2025
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Validity and Reliability of SyMOA – A Qualitative Psychodynamic Organizational Diagnostic Instrument
ABSTRACT
Background:
A comprehensive understanding of the organisation is fundamental for implementing successful change measures. However, existing methods of organisational diagnostics rarely capture the deeper, more complex dynamics that are crucial for sustainable transformation. To address this gap, the authors developed the Systematic Multidimensional Organisational Assessment (SyMOA), a qualitative instrument based on an evidence-based clinical diagnostic framework, the Operation-alized Psychodynamic Diagnostics -III (OPD-III). SyMOA integrates clinical, organisational and sys-temic psychodynamic theory and analyses an organisation´s challenges based on invisible and un-conscious aspects, those lurking beneath the surface. It hypothesises three organizational dimen-sions: current challenges based on the socio-technical integration and organizational internal func-tioning level (I), internal relationship dynamics (II) and unconscious organisational conflicts (III). By capturing these underlying dynamics, SyMOA provides a deeper understanding of an organisation’s challenges and establishes a solid foundation for targeted interventions.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the validity and intercoder reliability of the SyMOA instrument.
Methods:
For this purpose, semi-structured interviews are conducted with employees of two companies. The evaluation is carried out by calculating Krippendorff's alpha to determine intercoder reliability. In addition, expert validity and external validity are analyzed.
Results:
As of May 2025, we have started the recruitment process and the training of the interviewers and coders. The data collection and analysis will approximately take place in the following three months. Results are expected to be published in late 2025.
Conclusions:
The aim of the study is to test the suitability of SyMOA as a diagnostic instrument and its robustness in practice. The results should contribute to the further development of the theory of organisation-al diagnostics and form the basis for future, targeted interventions in organisations. Clinical Trial: FRKS005508
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