From Bob Clark (930918:1715 EDT)
Additions to and modifications of the Original "Portable
Demonstrator" were presented Sunday morning, August 1, 1993. The
summaries and discussions are in several parts, being posted as
completed.
I. PRESENTATION. Observer's View. "DEMO I, PRESNTATN - RKC"
II. COMMENTS. Demonstrator's View. "DEMO II, COMMENTS - RKC"
III. DISCUSSION. Experimenter's View. "DEM III, DSCUSSN - RKC"
IV. TEMPORAL VARIABLES. Analytical View. "DEM IV, TEMPORAL - RKC"
V. MECHANICAL SKILLS. Analytical View. "DEM V, MECH SKLLS - RKC"
VI. LEARNING SKILLS. Analytical View. "DEM VI, LERN SKLLS-RKC"
VII. PEOPLE SKILLS. Analytical View. "DEM VII, PEOP SKLLS-RKC"
VIII. INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE. Analytical View. "DEM VIII, IND
PERF-RKC"
IX. PERSONALITY. Analytical View. "DEM IX, PERSONALITY-RKC"
···
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VII. PEOPLE SKILLS. Analytical View.
Introduction. The Hierarchical Principle requires determination of
the next level above the level of Learning, together with additional
perceptions to be included. This is difficult because ALL of the
higher levels use these, and other lower levels, to control their
perceptual variables.
Since Learning and Mechanical Skills both treat people as non-living,
the next step could include the perception of people as independent
entities with their own control systems. "People Skills" is
suggested as a name for this level. Perhaps "Social Customs" would
be a better term for a minimal step in the Hierarchy.
A. Definition. "People Skills" result from using the Process of
Learning to combine Mechanical Skills with perceptions of living
beings as control systems. This definition is intended to be limited
to the least complex forms of interpersonal interactions.
B. The Demonstrator. People Skills were demonstrated throughout the
entire procedure. Those present perceived and reacted to each other.
B1. Courtesy and propriety. The customary forms and procedures were
used.
B2. Consideration. In arranging themselves for the Demonstration,
the participants considered each others interests. Possible
conflicts were anticipated and minimized.
B3. Cooperation. Those present assisted each other with the
performance and its taping. Comments were delayed appropriately.
B4. Communication. These skills are an important subgroup of People
Skills, used by higher level systems for many purposes. In the
Demonstration they were used for explanations, giving and receiving
instructions, and discussion of the Demonstration and related topics.
C. City Government. My observations of the government of Forest
Park, Ohio, (a city of about 20,000) have been fascinating. The
structure of this organization has many aspects of a Hierarchical
Control System. As expected, several forms of conflict are
demonstrated, involving several levels of organization. There are
many parallels between the organization of the government and that of
individuals. These parallels even include some of the forms of
conflict observed.
C1. Charter. The government is formalized in the form of the City
Charter. This document provides a statement of the organization and
procedures agreed to by the citizens.
C2. Operation. Although formalized in the Charter and other
records, the concepts of the city and its organization are in the
minds of the participating individuals. Those involved include the
citizens, the city employees, and the elected officials. Their
concepts are not always consistent either with each other or with the
Charter. Nevertheless, they combine to determine the actual
operation of the government. Several levels of a Hierarchical
Control System are readily identified.
C3. People Skills. All the People Skills noted above are in
constant use. Very little conflict seems to begin at this level --
rather, conflicts originating at higher levels are expressed here.
Communication skills are the most obvious medium for demonstration of
conflict -- lower level, direct use of Mechanical Skills seems very
infrequent.
C4. Groups. Additional groups of individuals are formed at times.
Such groups are based on similar, but not necessarily identical
objectives. Commonly, they seek to change some of the City's
activities, its employees, and/or the elected representatives. Such
temporary groupings serve as important communication channels among
the citizens and with the government.
D. Higher Levels. Since the Demonstrator involves people,
observation of higher levels is to be expected. The city government
offers more extensive observation of higher levels due to the larger
number of people involved together with the variety of their
interests, capabilities and personalities. "Individual Performance"
(to be posted later) can be observed in both the Demonstrator and the
Government.
This is the end of "People Skills."
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"Individual Performance" will be posted later, to be followed by
"Personality."
Regards, Bob Clark