Handling Power and Politics LO2556

PeterVS1@aol.com
Thu, 24 Aug 1995 13:32:39 -0400

Replying to LO2510 --

In their discussion of values formation, Michael McMaster and Dave
Buffenbarger examine the role of social systems versus the individual:

Michael says:

>It seems to me that social institutions are "supposed to" shape values.
>They are the phenomena which provide a mechanism for convergence
>of all of the varying values that will be present in any social, cooperative
>venture over time.

Dave says:
>Michael, we differ philosophically!! I was taught to more help shape
>social institutions, less be shaped by them.

In response, I'd like to note that both Micheal and Dave are correct --
and this is not just me being diplomatic ;-)

With many issues, we tend to look at for linear relationships
(cause-and-effect, for example) when, in fact, the relationships are
circular. With the issue of values formation, we need to recognize there
is a strong feedback loop in which the individual affects social values
and social values affect the individual. The two are tightly linked.

I point this out not to be critical of Michael and Dave (nor of anyone
else), but rather as a way in which we can start to look at the issues we
are discussing within our organizations (and within our society).

A rule of thumb for learning organizations is to get past arguements of
who is right or wrong.

Look for the truth in what the other person is saying. Recognize that it
may contradict the truth in what you are saying. It is in recognizing that
contradiction or paradox that you begin to understand the existance of a
deeper truth.

--
Regards,
Peter von Stackelberg
Applied Futures, Inc.
PeterVS1@aol.com