What
criteria must logic meet?
Before discussing my quest for logic in the land of organisational
consulting, I would first like to consider the criteria that I believe a
theory, a logic, should meet.
A theory is a fundamental system of propositions about the way the world is
constructed, that has been tested multiple times and in which we place some
trust. The word theory has the same root as theatre (theoros = onlooker in
Ancient Greek). People think up theories for the same reason as theatre:
to bring an interplay of ideas into public view, which will perhaps enable
us to better understand our world in some way
(SENGE 1995). The process of drafting a theory is driven by passion,
imagination, enthusiasm about the fact that one is seeing something new:
bringing order to data in our perception.
I view logic as a collection of intentions for steering.
Whether something fits in with this logic is manifested in a feeling: that
is logical, or not. CARNAP (1994): Everyone can devise their own logic. An
infinite number of systems of rules are possible. Conditions are: Clearly
formulated and strictly followed. If you say that something is true, you
must indicate what system it is true in. Logic comprises the basis for
methodologies and activities.
Practice what you preach, wealth of
sources
The message of the theory and the manner in which the message is presented,
to my mind, should match up: practice what you preach. If an author
advocates introducing variation as a method for change, then I want to see a
wealth of sources in the publication. The books that offer a wealth of
sources appeal to me the most because they incorporate insights from
multiple researchers/consultants. The author and the reader can measures
themselves against this. Some good examples of these kinds of books are:
- The Fifth Discipline, workbook (SENGE et al 1995)
- Images of organizations (MORGAN 1986)
- Sensemaking in organizations (WEICK 1995)
- Strategy Safari (MINTZBERG 1999)
- Dynamics of Organizatonal Change and Learning (BOONSTRA, ed. 2004)
- Intervening and Changing (BOONSTRA & DE CALUWE, ed. 2006)
The wealth of sources offers new insights and helps determine a viewpoint.
We take some of our authority from other's writings and experiences.
That is why scientists make so many citations and footnotes. I will also be
guilty of this in describing my logic.
Product Quality
GUBA & LINCOLN (1989) formulate criteria for results of qualitative research
according to the method of Naturalistic Inquiry. Since I think that logic
comes about in a similar way, I will also declare these criteria applicable
to my logic:
"One can be judged to have rendered a product of excellence and beauty and
"goodness" if the product demonstrates integrity, originality, passion,
commitment, and balance".
However, there is no such thing as the best logic.
User Value
Aside from these criteria, the main question is: Does the logic help order
the world? Does it provide clarifications? I would like to invite the reader
to judge the extent to which my theory meets the product criteria.
I will address the user value in the section on
logic and consultancy. New theories do not penetrate into the real world
until they are translated into methods and tools: see
workbook.
Ongoing Dialog
Models for clarification are developed in dealings with others. The language
provides the concepts and the concepts make it possible to build further. It
is necessary to remain open to discussion of the basic premises and to keep
gaining new insights. Otherwise the theory turns into a belief to be
preached.
Continue
quest for logic
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