Advanced Systems-Level Problem Solving, Volume 2: How to Measure and Boost Thought Maturity

✍ Scribed by Otto Laske

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 2023
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 228
• Edition: 2nd ed. 2023
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This three-volume set introduces the practice of advanced, ‘dialectical’ systems-level problem solving in both the social and natural sciences. In social science, it opens new vistas regarding organizational, strategy, and work design. In the natural sciences, it provides heretofore missing conceptions of physical systems in peril due to the climate crisis. In addition, the author draws conclusions that are important for advancing generative AI. The monograph presents novel conceptual tools that directly impact the internal structure of a systems analyst’s mental processing in real time. While the first volume lays the theoretical groundwork for dialectical systems analysis, the second, focusing on the nature of work, lays bare the structure of complex thinking in terms of the ‘thought forms’ it requires. In order to facilitate better understanding of the principles taught in the first two volumes, the third volume provides a Manual of Dialectical Thought Forms, which is the only one in existence today.

✦ Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
References
Introduction
Summary
Acknowledgments
Contents
Abbreviations
Chapter 1: A Developmental Theory of Work Capability
Introduction to Capability
The Hidden Dimensions of Delivering Work
Limitations of the Notion of Work in HR and Management Science
Work and Work Capability
Jaques’ Definition of Work
Jaques Definition of Work Capability
Deepening Jaques’s Notion of Potential Capability
Further Comments on Capability and Capacity
Why All of These Fancy Distinctions?
Embedding in Nature: Human Beings in Relation to Pre-linguistic Organisms
Three Aspects of Capability
Jaques’ Assumptions Summarized
Deepening Jaques’ Four Orders of Mental Processing Developmentally
Overview of Jacques’ Definition of Capability Assimilated to CDF
Current Applied Capability (CAC)
Current Potential Capability (CPC)
Emergent Potential Capability (EPC)
Ways of Supporting Human Capability at Work
Practical Consequences of the Developmental Definition of Capability
Behavioral Coaching
Cognitive-Behavioral Coaching
Cognitive-Developmental Coaching
Fully Developmental Coaching
A Developmental Look at Human Resources
Conclusion
Chapter Summary
References
Bibliography
Chapter 2: A Cognitive Theory of Work in Organizations
Introduction
Jaques’ Answers
Measuring Time Span of Role
Single vs. Multiple Task Roles
Level of Work Complexity in Single- and Multiple-Task Roles
Summary of Time Span
Accountability Architecture and Stratum of Role
Summary of Strata
Review of Requisite Organization
Critique of Jaques’ Notion of Requisite Organization
The Author’s Perspective on Jaques’ Work
Updating Jaques’ Notions
Revisiting Potential Capability
Revisiting Complexity of Work
Strata and Their Associated Types of Work
Jaques’ Four Different Categories of Work
A. Work as Direct Action (Str-I and V)
B. Work as Diagnostic Data Accumulation (Str-II and VI)
C. Work Based on Finding Alternative Goal Paths (Str-III and VII)
D. Work as Pursuit of Parallel Goal Paths (Str-IV and VIII)
Chapter Summary
References
Bibliography
Chapter 3: The Anatomy of the Internal Workplace
Highlights of This Chapter
The Structure of the HCA
The Arbitrariness of Sociological Distinctions
Empirical Evidence Regarding Stages of Meaning Making (Kegan, 1982)
A First Introduction to Dialectical Thought Forms (TFs)
Understanding the Three Houses of Work
Difference of Emphasis in the Three Houses
Changes in Agents’ Professional Agenda
Intermediate Summary
Discussion of Each House Individually
The Self House
The Difference Between Self and Role
Work Context
Professional Agenda
Personal Culture
The Task House
The Organizational House
The Four Organizational Perspectives in Detail
Creating an Integrated Change Policy and Plan in the Organizational House
Chapter Summary
References
Bibliography
Chapter 4: Dialectical Thinking and Listening in the Workplace
Part A. Conceptualizations of Human Thinking
The Cognitive Crucible
How Successful Leaders Think
Differences Between Abductive and Dialectical Thinking: A Critique of Roger Martin
Psychological Obstacles to Complex Thinking
Anxiousness as a Matter of Inquiring System
Part B. Understanding the Three Managers
The Quote Above Considered as an Interview Excerpt
A Closer Look at Manager C’s Thinking
Manager C’s Cognitive Behavior Graph
Some Conclusions
Returning to Manager B
Outcome for Manager B
Part C. Dialectical Listening in Practice: Thought Forms as Mind Openers
What Is Dialectical Listening?
Chapter Summary
References
Bibliography
Appendices
Appendix 1: How Donald Constructs His Internal Workplace: Using DTF as an Assessment Tool
Introduction
The Task of the Interviewer
Interview Procedure
Computing an Individual’s Cognitive Score
The Cognitive Profile: A Crucial Indicator for Work Capability
Empirical Findings
Focus on the Interviewee
Characteristics of the Interview
Donald’s Job Description
The Table of Thought Forms
Donald’s Thought Form Selection Sheet
Interpretation of Donald’s Cognitive Behavior Graph
Interview Evaluation Outcomes
Summary of Donald’s Present Cognitive Profile
Hypotheses for Consulting to Donald’s Mental Process
The Cognitive Core of Coaching and Mentoring
Chapter Summary
Appendix 2: A Protocol for Entering a Client’s Internal Workplace
Dialectical Listening
Alternative Ways of Restricting Superfluous Content
Requisite Organization of the Three Houses
Interviewing Donald
Task House
Organizational House
Self House
A Brief Summary of Dialectical Thinking with a Dialogue Partner
A Brief Summary of Dialectical Listening
Chapter Summary
References for Appendix 1
References for Appendix 2
Appendix 1: Bibliography
Appendix 2: Bibliography
Index