Review: Oscillations
All THEE hierarchies show an oscillation between odd-numbered and even-numbered levels. Usually, this is a simple obvious duality cf. primary hierachy oscillation.
Spiral hierarchies appear to have a standard duality:
odd numbers: acceptance-adaptation
even numbers:
clarification-formulation (as in organizational achievement)
inquiry-initiative (as in managing complexity LoW
Four Dimensions
An oscillation has been identified in four distinct dimensions: it may be that (in the future) a single duality will be identified that covers all the dimensions.
Mode of Application
Odd numbers are applied instinctively
i.e. easily, almost reflexly, semi-automatically, spontaneously, naturally.
Details
G1: we easily notice what is to our advantage and almost reflexly seek to serve our self-interest.
G3: we naturally handle our exposure when we our position is threatened and contest.
G5: we instinctively seek control in emerging situations by exerting influence on others.
G7: we naturally awaken ambition when our expectations are either met or not met.
Even numbers are applied advisedly
i.e. cautiously, with due consideration, following thought and often advice.
Details
G2: we must organise risk-taking cautiously, often seeking advice from others.
G4: we manage exchanges with careful consideration for what both parties will get from the interaction.
G6: we maintain affluence advisedly in order not to waste energy on impractical or unprofitable ventures.
Time of Application
Odd numbers are applied sporadically
i.e. episodically, irregularly, occasionally, periodically, sometimes.
Details
G1: you cannot always act in your own self-interest, but there will be occasions when you must take advantage of the situation.
G3: you cannot always be exposing yourself to social contests, but you will find it necessary to periodically rise to the occasion.
G5: you cannot always be seeking controlbut sometimes an emerging situation requires this effort.
G7: you cannot always awaken ambition—it would be too exhausting—but at certain times you will notice that your ambitions are being thwarted or their realization is becoming possible.
Even numbers are applied continually
i.e. routinely, mostly, regularly, constantly, enduringly.
Details
G2: you must be continually monitoring and organising your risk-taking or something untoward will occur.
G4: you must be continually managing your exchanges with others because these are likely to have knock-on and cumulative effects.
G6: you must constantly maintain affluencebecause any reduction to your standard of living is felt as a threat.
Appraisal Orientation
Odd numbers require an appraisal to be applied inwards
i.e. internally, intra-psychically.
Details
G1: To serve your self-interest in a situation, you have to look inwards to be sure about what is actually in your interests as the situation does not tell you this.
G3: To handle your exposure in a contest, you have to look inwards to determine whether you want to put yourself into the limelight on this matter.
G5: To seek control in a particular situation, you have to look inwards to see whether such initiatives will be to your benefit.
G7:When an event might awaken ambition, you can only appraise its significance by looking inwards.
Even numbers require an appraisal to be applied outwards
i.e. externally, into the social milieu.
Details
G2: To appraise risk-taking, you must look outwards to where the risk lies and determine the nature of the risk and how best to handle it.
G4: To appraise exchanges, you must look externally to the nature of the exchange, the particular details for managing the exchange, and the likely future consequences.
G6: To appraise your affluence, you have to look externally at the situation and compare your state with the standard of living of others.
Effort Orientation
Odd numbers require effort to be applied outwardly
i.e. externally, into the social milieu.
Details
G1: Having looked inward and decided what will serve your self-interest, you have to direct effort outward into altering the world to get the benefit.
G3: Having looked inward and decided to expose your position, you have to put your effort into contesting in public.
G5: Having decided that seeking controlis to your benefit, then effort must be put into the social situation to exert influence and get the benefit.
G7: Having awakened ambition in response to an event, effort is directed outwards to pursue that ambition in the situation that has emerged.
Even numbers require effort to be applied internally
i.e. i.e. internally, intra-psychically.
Details
G2: Having chosen to take the risk, the efforts must be applied internally so that you are not thrown off kilter by your emotions of fear or excitement.
G4: Having decided on an exchange, you have to direct efforts internally to avoid being boastful, self-aggrandizing or conceited (if you gained) and regrets and remorse (if you think you lost).
G6: Having chosen to maintain affluence, then efforts must be applied inwardly to reject negativity and master feelings like frustration, loss, helplessness and despair when things go wrong.
Originally posted: 30-Jun-2025