Intro -- Paul Monus LO4584

Monus,Paul,PA (MONUSPA@olima.usaref.msnet.bp.com)
Tue, 02 Jan 96 20:35:00 EST

Replying to LO4514 --

I want to respond to a post by Michael Ayers in LO4514, but first I will
introduce myself. I have been reading this list for a while, but not
posted.

From: mbayers@mmm.com
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 1995 11:03:38 -0600
Subject: Levels of Learning LO4514

(He was responding to LO4460 comparing Argyris on double loop learning to
Gregory Bateson's _Steps to an Ecology of Mind_)

My name is Paul Monus. I work for BP Oil in the USA, located in Lima
Ohio. I am a chemical engineer, with an interest in organizational
learning with a focus on TQM/continuous improvement. I have been involved
in this for a while, reading everything I could find, but from an
operating line manager's perspective--to get at what works and causes
rapid improvement. We have done some work with System Dynamics, an
example is looking at logisitics of moving refined oil products around,
quite a lot with microworlds (esp. the Manufacturing Game, which was
developed by MIT and DuPont), and have created one of our own microworlds.
We are involved in a learning history project, and have been diligently
working to make sure our TQM process is systemic in its orientation and
implementation. These have combined together to achieve some very
significant financial benefits (millions), and have set the stage for even
faster progress. We think there is much "low hanging fruit" around, that
can be accessed by work on mental models.

So, I am believer in this stuff.

I am a reader of several journals and have read a lot of the literature.
One of the areas I am interested in especially now is how to become more
socratic in my approach, to access the thinking and non cognitive
processes that often must be accessed to see significant change. I have
read Argyris, and agree that his work on double loop learning and theory
in use vs. espoused theory (esp. with focus on defensive routines to
protect the delta between same) is vital. So, while I have not read the
citation Michael gives, I wanted to list two good references that may not
be known to this group, which give a system dynamics perspective on the
process of changing mental models. This is where we have found the use of
microworlds to be helpful--it is a way for people to challenge their own
paradigms, and adjust their assumptions, by experiencing the consequences
of their thinking in accelerated time, and in a way that shows them the
dynamics of the various interdependencies in the system--they see the big
picture. This leads to an easier process of working on mental models, and
has really accelerated what we are trying to do.

The first reference is from John Sterman, head of the system dynamics
group at MIT's Sloan school, and is in System Dynamics Review, Vol 10,
nos. 2-3, (Summer-Fall 1994); 291-330, entitled _Learning in and about
complex systems._ This is probably the most insightful and concise
explanation of how the process of double loop learning works, and the role
of microworlds and models in helping assist this process that I have seen.

The second reference is from Daniel Kim and Peter Senge, also from System
Dynamics Review, vol. 10, nos. 2-3 (Summer - Fall 1994) 277-290, entitled
_Putting systems thinking into practice._ A short quote from the intro:

"...recognizing dynamic complexity demands changes in prevailing mental
models. Few organizations, in our experience, have the capability to
build shared understanding of dynamic complexity--yet this is precisely
what characterizes the most important policy and strategy issues."

Take a look at these articles. And thanks for all the good dialogue.
Lilly Evans in London has been a tireless champion of this list to those
of us in BP, esp. me. Thanks Lilly.

--
Paul Monus
BP Oil Lima Refinery
monuspa@olima.usaref.msnet.bp.com
419-226-2383