On Fri Jan 12, 1996, Andrew Moreno wrote:
>I'm still unclear on the general definition of "multi-dimensional." Even
>if we agree that it is multiple dimensions represented at 90 degrees to
>one another that leaves infinite possibilities to what each dimension is
>_composed_ of.
Andrew, thanks for the feedback.
Until recently (late 1993), the organizational abstract of my company,
NCR, was one of a single dimension matrix. This was the mental model I
operated from, with no reflection or challenge of whether or not it was
right. Most of my day to day activity (horizontal - process) clashed with
the vertical functional activities. Even the label of said activities
should have provided a clue - "cross-functional."
Conflict became an ongoing challenge and has lead to my pursuit of the
Masters in Conflict Resolution. In 1994, I treated myself to Peter
Senge's, THE FIFTH DISCIPLINE, which I read cover to cover in less than
two weeks. But it wasn't until I was reviewing my thesis plans and ideas
with my mentor, Dr. Mark Bagshaw in October, 1995, that the AHA!!
happened. Some of the burning questions:
Why does cross-functional projects generate conflict in my
corporation?
How do organizational objectives, seemingly aligned at the Senior
Management level, become disjointed and conflicting objectives as they
cascade to down through the org?
How do other companies deal with these struggles; do other companies
experience the same of similar problems?
What can be done about this seemingly pervasive organizational
phenomena?
This dialog stimulated for me the following reflection questions: What if
the reason this has evolved a design problem? Or an incorrect
interpretation of a design?
MY HYPOTHESIS: THIS PHENOMENA AND ITS RESULTING CONFLICTS IS THE RESULT
OF THE MENTAL MODELS RESULTING FROM THE INTERPRETATION OF THE ONE
DIMENSIONAL MATRIX.
Andrew, what the multi-dimensional model "should" look like, I'm not sure.
I am pursuing John Warfield's book, A SCIENCE OF GENERIC DESIGN: MANAGING
COMPLEXITY THROUGH SYSTEMS DESIGN, for ideas... other suggestions welcome.
Let's see where this discussion takes us.
Chris
-- Chris Michel Business Systems Consultant NCR Corporation chris.michel@ncr.com