This just came to me…
What kind of modeling technology and protocols would we need to model organizations?
Can an individual model an organization or would it be necessary for the entire organization to model another?
If the second option were true, how exactly can an organization model another organization?
Ripped Ken
This is particularly interesting in light of Ken Wilber’s integral model and his use of the concept of holons developed by Arthur Koestler.
According to Koestler, the universe is made up of holons, or whole-parts that form greater whole-parts. Each level transcends and includes the previous level.
You can observe the phenomenon when you go from atom to molecule, molecule to cell, cell to tissue, tissue to organ, organ to system and so forth.
Likewise, you can observe this at the social level. Individual to family, family to tribe, tribe to nation, nation to race.
And now, take it to the business or organizational level: individual to team, team to department, department to division, division to company.
Now, in light of this, is it possible for an entity at the individual level to model the company level?
Any insights on this?
About Martin Messier
I don’t care to comment about the theory of holons, but I know from experience that it is possible to model at a company level. You can find hints in the latest writings about team development. They don’t talk about NLP modeling specifically, but they do offer some of the common patterns available in teams.
The modeling process is a little different than modeling an individual as you have to attend to the interpersonal interactions between members within the company, as well as the interactions externally to the company.
Hey Michael!
Thanks for the comment. Do you have a specific link or an author you’d recommend to learn more about this specific kind of modeling?
There are none that cover this topic specifically. You can however track some of the footprints in the sand.
It also depends on the type of modeling you\’re talking of – Modeling re: Grinders definition you\’ll find nothing available. Though I know Grinder\’s \’Red Tail Math\’ (whenever it comes out) might well cover some of the aspects as I\’ve discussed some of these issues and ideas with him.
If you\’re talking other forms of modeling; Steven Denning\’s \"Secret Language of leadership\’ has a few hints.
David Molden\’s leadership books are good.
Years ago Dilts ran a leadership camp. If you\’re able to track it down, some of that material might be useful.
Jonathan Altfeld’s Knowledge engineering will be useful.
Investigate metaprogams and be curious if a company has it\’s own metaprogram.
But most of all, use whatever you currently know of modeling, find a company and go do it. Let us know what you discover!