Competing, cooperating and morality LO18230

Richard C. Holloway (learnshops@thresholds.com)
Mon, 01 Jun 1998 01:25:20 -0700

Replying to LO18227 --

Simon, I'm glad you've challenged these 6 principles. As I mentioned,
they are presented in a fine book on ethics (here's the book info, if
you're interested

<http://www.altbookstore.com/cgi-win/web.exe?book.isbn.0534193862%thresholds>).

I've not known anyone yet who didn't object (including myself) to this
particular set of principles (indeed, I've picked my own--and modify it
from time to time). However, it's a method to use in determining one's
own set of principles by which to guide ethical organizational decisions
through ethical dilemmas.

For instance, where you were satisfied with "confidentiality," I preferred
"discretion" as a principle. My primary reason for continuing to share
(or harp?) on these originated in our thread on Morality in LOs and then I
combined them with cooperative/competitive behaviors.

I do advocate that learning orgs need to encourage individual review of
values (personal mastery) AND need to create (cooperatively) a set of
values and principles that guide the organization in its' behavior. This
is one of the best ways that I know to establish congruency between
behavior and hyperbole (oops--walk and talk!). Indeed--it's also a
wonderful way to determine whether or not you share sufficient values with
others in your organization to even stay where you are.

As an example, you and I might go around about the principle of harm--at
least until we clarified to ourselves what are values really are (I oppose
needless violence--however, I see violence as an authentic and necessary
component of life. I don't necessarily agree that my harming others is
ever justified--I have, though, often rationalized it).

Thanks again (your unorganizational skills are both invaluable and
critical!),

Doc

-- 
"Sixty-six times these eyes beheld the changing scenes of Autumn. I have said
enough about moon light. Ask me no more. Only listen to the voice of the pines
and cedars when no wind stirs." Ryo-Nen


Thresholds--developing critical skills for living organizations
Richard C. "Doc" Holloway       Olympia, WA    ICQ# 10849650
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