Re: Infrastructure for LOs LO1674

JOHN N. WARFIELD (jwarfiel@osf1.gmu.edu)
Sat, 17 Jun 1995 09:46:45 -0400 (EDT)

Replying to LO1666 was "Personality Profiles"

As far as I know, the subject of infrastructure for learning
organizations has not been discussed on this network. Perhaps there
might be interest in such a topic. To introduce this, I will relate some
of my experiences with respect to this subject. A brief preface gives
some context.

Study of Complexity. I started studying complexity in 1968, and have
continued ever since. To organize the products of this work, I use a 2 x
2 matrix. Along one side are four behavioral aspects: the individual,
the group, the organization, and group process. Along the other side I
use what I call the "components of the Work Program of Complexity":
Description, Diagnosis, Design, and Implementation. A basic assumption
in my study is that the first three components will be done by groups.
Basic conclusions from the study are:

o Groups can't work effectively in this program without a well-defined
methodology--metaphors are necessary, but not sufficient
o Groups should be served by process experts, never asked to contribute
to process decisions, and always asked to contribute content in response
to questions carefully formulated before the group convenes as a group
o Complexity demands computer assistance for the group, but protecting
group members from the demands of using a computer while at the same time
trying to contribute to resolving a complex issue
o Without the foregoing thoughts, groups will generally be frustrated
and ineffective, while producing underconceptualized products, poorly
organized, and at best mediocre in quality

Infrastructure. Group working conditions are inadequately describable by
such common terms as "offsites", "conference rooms", etc. What is needed
is a well-designed facility, conceived with a balanced perspective
involving cognitive limitations, comfort, designed-out group inhibitors,
designed-in group enhancers, etc., etc. The details can be found in my
two 1994 books, along with pictures of such facilities in A SCIENCE OF
GENERIC DESIGN. Aside from the facility aspects, group facilitators that
combine the best features of the "pure tekkie", "pure behaviorist",
"action-oriented manager", "pure systems thinker", and "improviser" are
required (properly trained); and at the same time, lacking all of the
worst features of these extreme cases.

Among the less exotic aspects of a room would be a coat rack, extremely
comfortable chairs, variable illumination, magnetic wall boards, etc.,
etc. Such rooms are in existence at Ford Motor Company and the Southwest
Fisheries Science Center (La Jolla, CA).

--
JOHN N. WARFIELD
Jwarfiel@osf1.gmu.edu