I don't personally see that "manipulation" implies that the doer is
pulling the strings unintentionally. Usually they are conscience that
they are trying to effect a change in perspective or behavior, and just
feel they are just using all the resources and methods at their disposal
to cause the change.
They ARE often *not conscience* that they have "crossed the line" in the
perception of the "target", however. This is particularly true when the
change efforts includes efforts to influence others in power positions
over the "target" without the target's informed consent.
**** Is manipulation, like quality, in the eye of the beholder??? ****
REPLY from Lavinia Weissman 19-APR-95 9:14
Harry, I think that you have struck upon something important here when
you mention the word "power".
What often gives the appearance of manipulation is a construct based
on giving away power to another. This power is easily taken by
people working in the mode of hierachy and compensation schemes based
on pyramiding where power is claimed economically rather than through
shared knowledge. I believe shared knowledge is the foundation for
sustainable economic community.
I recall when I first moved from Boston to the Bay Area about 3.5 years
ago, that Apple had completed a morale survey that was leaked to the
local paper. The survey reported that morale was the lowest it had
ever been in Apple history.
WHY? People who claimed power from hierachy (compensation and authority)
did not respect the power of the learning community. Often the hierachy
is not involved in the dialogue provoked by intelligience and learning
community. Frequently hierachy in involved in debate relative to
investment and financial risk.
Fear of missing out on bonuses and commissions is the drive for the
process.
The learning community had power accumulated through the devleopment of
new markets and product. They were compensated less and constantly had to
deal with barriers to change that were in the way due to ignorance.
Note: I apologize for not introducing myself and will do so
soon. I have been lurking here for a while.
Lavinia Weissman (lavinia@tmn.com)
The Consortium for Workforce Ecology
16 Rhinestone Terrace
San Rafael, CA 94903
415.492.0513 phone
415.479.5970 fax
learning@tmn.com for inquiries.