Tony DiBella and John Gunkler are in an interesting position in John's
post, Knowledge Management, LO, & Applied Anthropology LO20787
Both are talking on the bankruptcy of many anthropological approaches to
working with organizations today, with Tony saying:
>Anthropology is the study of cultures (human social systems) - how they
>function (static), and how they have come to be the way they are
>(dynamic/process).
and John adding:
>Okay, but even this definition of a "dynamic/process" stops far short of
>what we truly need. What we truly need, and what I have had to employ for
>over 15 years in helping organizations improve, is a "dynamic/process"
>approach to how organizations change. That is, not how they came to be
>but how they will come to become; not past oriented, but future oriented.
Being future-oriented is critically important to long-term success and
building a structural learning foundation. We can most certainly learn
from the past but need to also be aware of present / transitional
happenings as well as positioning ourselves and our organizations for the
probably future events / roadblocks / opportunities and issues.
Metaphorically, this is a lot like throwing mud at the "chicken wire"
fence.
One does not know where nor why some mud sticks and some mud doesn't.
Careful observation, however, will lead to the realization that some mud
IS sticking. (This can also be empirically tested for those so
interested.)
The critical developmental perspective and successful behavioral
predictors would suggest that throwing mud AND observing results and
impacts will lead to reinforcement of those specific behavior that will
generate long-term success. In this case, it is the realization that mud,
thrown or otherwise applied in sufficient quantities to a weak "chicken
wire" framework, will in fact build a wall that can later support a roof.
Expect some rain. Have some fun.
Note to Basketball Fans: The Great Egyptian Pyramids were not constructed
in this manner nor was The Dean Dome at the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill. The author is fairly sure that Cameron Indoor Stadium, home of
the hated Duke 'Blue Devils' Basketball Team, was created in this manner.
--For the FUN of It!
Scott J. Simmerman, Ph.D. Performance Management Company - 800-659-1466 <mailto:Scott@SquareWheels.com>
A great source for FREE tools and training resources: <www.SquareWheels.com>
"Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy." The Eagles, from "Take it Easy"
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>