I have written a paper titled "The Autonomous Performer." In it emphasis is
laid upon the fact that people (knowingly or unknowingly) are controlling
their perceptual inputs. It presents a model in which people behave so as
to create effects that are consistent with internally-held reference
conditions. Sound like PCT? It should. I was greatly influenced along
about 1975 by William Powers' book "Behavior: The Control of Perception."
As a consequence of my paper (or in response to it, or as a result of
writing it, or in relation to other people's perceptions of it, or whatever
you wish), I have been invited to address the corporate university of a
major high-tech company. What they want to know is how might my model of the
autonomous performer be applied in their work. Their work, if I guess
correctly, focuses on how to manage/influence/shape/guide other people's
behavior in pursuit of results/effects/outcomes sought and/or valued by
influential members of the company/organization/institution of which they
are members.
I can explain PCT in terms of driving down the highway, and perhaps some
other simple-minded examples which I've yet to produce; however, I have not
yet constructed an example that explains job/task performance in PCT terms.
If memory serves, B:CP contains such examples; unfortunately, I can't find
my darn copy of the book.
Does anyone else have some ready examples I can beg, borrow, or steal? (I
will be eternally grateful; more important, I will send busines someone's way.)
Regards,
Fred Nickols
nickols@worldnet.att.net