I've been reading the many words written on manipulation over the past several
weeks, impressed at the ways in which the many smart people in this discussion
group have analyzed the subject. I've been amused at the discussion because it
reflects a way that I used to view the term "manipulation". I thought of it in
the sense of what a human hand is capable of doing with in object in its grasp.
But it seemed that every time I applied the term to human behavior, someone
complained about it.
I couldn't understand why the term wasn't accepted to mean "influence" or
"making change happen" or "directing events in a particular direction". Then
someone told me that the commonly-held meaning has to do with influencing
behavior, either against another's person's will or without him or her knowing
about it. It carries a decidedly unethical connotation. AHA! I exclaimed, so
that's why people get so defensive!
So I've forsworn the use of the term unless I intend to refer to
behind-the-scenes influence that I might not want to go public with. I prefer
using "influence" or "persuade" to indicate a more open style of working with
others to change (their) behavior.
I hope this helps.
David E. Birren
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Management & Budget
Phone: (608)267-2442 Fax: (608)267-3579
Internet: birred@dnr.state.wi.us