Rick wrote:
> One of my puzzles in working with mental models is the nature of the
> multiple levels involved. We're often working to increase awareness
> of semi-conscious and un-noticed mental models. We address mental
> models, and then "deeper" mental models.
> I'm wondering if there are different levels which have different
> characteristics, need different terminology and different ways of
> accessing them. Mike (and everyone), should we be lumping all these
> together as "Mental Models" or do we need finer distinctions?
I always use this picture of an onion for the different layers of
mental models. This statement also says that I think there are
different layers!
To my understanding they differ in change ability! That means the
on the outside they are, the easier they can be changed, the deeper
in the inside, the harder to change!
This also refers to the difference between change and transformation.
If only outer layers (easily altered) are involved I'm talking of
change. If the very deep layers of mental models (or beliefs) are
involved and altered, then I think we use the word transformation.
An example of transformation (which I experienced myself) would be
the shift from a classical "reductionist scientist" to a "holistic
scientist". The shift has taken place in the very deep belief
system.
Does this make sense?
-- YoursRoland Foerster ----------------------------------------------------------- "Die Zeit ist so gross, wie man sie sieht, und an der Groesse der Zeit waechst der Mensch" C.G. Jung ----------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Roland E. Foerster, Management Consulting & Development Bueelisackerstr. 28, CH-5622 Waltenschwil, Switzerland voice: ++41-57-23 14 68, fax: ++41-57-22 83 65 e-mail: foerster@dial.eunet.ch (NeXT & MIME-Mail welcome)