Mode-7: Practical Adaptations

ClosedReminder of the clarification process so far:

  • Mode-1: Produce a satisfying explanation of the situation. [Causal]
  • Mode-2: Develop a coherent framework for the situation. [Structural]
  • Mode-3: Identify polarization within the situation. [Dialectic]
  • Mode-4: Narrate the trajectory of the situation. [Dynamic]
  • Re-enter Mode-1: The explanation is satisfying and sufficient. [Causal]
  • Mode-5: Take responsibility for a version of the explanation. [Atomistic]
  • Mode-6: Impose compulsory standards on the explanation. [Unitary]

The mode of realizing (μ) refers to the set of values to be incorporated from a depiction method. Once incorporated, there is a new Stage of clarification (Φ) that includes values of all previous modes.

So Stage 6 clarification (Φ6) ensures that any personal version is revised to conform to high standards along a variety of appropriate parameters so as to enable, even impose, conformist acceptance.

Practical Use is ensured in the Unified Mode

The Unitary mode-μ6 provides for communal ownership with an account that can over-ride Atomistic personal versions-μ5. But any authoritative account stands apart from the particularity of situations calling for action.

There may be historical characteristics, group features or environmental phenomena relevant to a making changes in a specific situation that cannot be ignored . In addition, contexts constantly evolve, situations evolve, and those involved may alter too. So the uniformity-conformity inherent in Mode-6 must give way to the complexity inherent in the myriad of contexts that potentially apply to particular groups.

Fortunately, the Unified mode-7is oriented to address this complexity. Without rejecting or subverting the authoritative account, it is always possible to make changes to it that ensures it fits the particular situation. This additional clarification may deal with choice of words, reduce the breadth or complexity of the explanation, or provide for additional factors.

Oscillation:

The Unified mode is about recognizing that any explanation must be applied within widely varying and constant evolving contexts that deserve respect and attention—without abandoning the consensual authoritative account. The particular context and any suitable adaptation is subjectiveand adjustments are applied in a limitedfashion. This continues the pattern observed in Cycle-1.

Values & Assumptions

Stage-7-unified to fit the explanation to the context.

Promoting Acceptability

ClosedEssence: Adaptive Adjustments

Authoritative explanations can be more easily accepted and understood when they are adapted to the particularity generated by their use by specific people in a specific situation. This is about being practical, not challenging or undermining any developed consensus. Clarification may be improved by things like: simplification or emphases, unpacking meanings, altering terms that touch on local sensitivities, and taking into account critical local factors.

ClosedBenefit: Contextual Fit

The power of context to shape and even determine change must never be underestimated. The group's context should not and must not alter the authoritative explanation of a situation in any fundamental sense. However, adjustments that generate contextual fit will heighten awareness and increase local ownership.

ClosedMeans: Awareness of Dependence

Every practical choice is dependent on the actual context. The danger is always that uniformity and conformity are pushed too far and actual contextual requirements. The evolution of any situation is also context-dependent. So awareness of dependence needs to be brought to the fore in making adjustments to the explanation without loss of its integrity.

Handling the Group

ClosedParticipation: Explain the context

Group members will welcome anyone who appreciates the realities within which all choices must be made. The relevant context affecting the authoritative account may be temporal-historical and based in specific events, or socio-cultural and based in local customs or emotional conditions. Sometimes the relevant context is physical, being about facilities or resource availability.

ClosedCommunication: Relate to socio-physical needs

The particular socio-physical environment generates pressures and needs that cannot be ignored or suppressed. Explaining adjustments in those terms supports the group and reassures them in their handling of the explanation. Simple reassurance may suffice or the narrative explaining the situation may need to be re-articulated to reveal implications for social needs.

ClosedIndividualization: Allow re-orientation

In dealing with others within a particular socio-physical context, your usual orientation to those in situation may not be sensible or tolerable. You must be ready to alter your orientation while staying true to the authoritative position.

Channeling Your Functioning:

ClosedGain Support: Be Practical

A context may exert such powerful pressures that there is a temptation to water down or even abandon the given consensus explanation (Φ6) entirely. Over-identification with the context can be resisted by maintaining a personal balance and focusing on what if practical. If you are practical, you will win support for your contextually-adjusted consensually-approved position.

The framework for purpose is valuable because it specifies and clarifies the varieties of purposes according to their particular contribution to intentionality. While each function has a unique formula, these are unusable in everyday life. Each function also has a unique THEE-name.

In any particular organisation, some names will feel natural and obvious in a particular firm, while others seem arcane and awkward. The latter are difficult for people to use and need to be replaced. For example, in one firm, staff wanted to call "principal objects" (PH6L4) "missions" to accord with their custom, and then suggested calling "missions" (PsH6G24) "social goals".

Such changes, which are adaptations to the context, do no harm, validate the staff, and are very useful in winning acceptance and practical use for the framework.

Concluding with This Stage

Mode-1 again, with general acceptance it becomes a powerful explanation.

The Spiral trajectory is now almost complete. The clarification of the situation for individuals and groups is now detailed, penetrating and persuasive due to the cumulation of principles and values extracted from the depiction methods.

The need for control drops massively when all are on board, and the acceptance of complexity increases greatly due to systematic incorporation of numerous factors. So the trajectory spontaneously moves back to the Causal mode-μ1 in the lower right extremity.

The explanation at Stage-7 can now be described as serviceable because it can be used by those who actually have to deal with the problematic situation.

  • Re-enter the Causal mode but further down the ellipse.

Originally posted: 30-Sep-2024. Last amended: 22-Sep-2025.