Context, Context, Context

Synopsis

It's well known that human beings are allergic to change. This is nowhere more true than of human beings in organizations. Organization Development initiatives, Leadership Development programs, and Business Transformation plans all founder too often on our resistance and reluctance, on the tendency of people and things to slip back to how they were before. For a long time, Systems Thinkers in general (and Power+Systems pioneer Barry Oshry in particular) have understood that the problem lies with our failure to look at the surrounding organizational structures and dynamics, at the wider picture, at the context. Barry Oshry draws on a lifetime's experience to explain the nature of the problem with our organizational structures, and the ways in which we can dissolve the problem. This book is written in play-form: a simple briefing conversation between a recently hired team member and the Chief Contextual Thinker for a Business Consultancy firm. They discuss the change initiative they are running for a key client. The conversational format allows Oshry to introduce the relevant theory clearly and in sequence, while addressing questions and misunderstandings as they arise. The result is a guide to Systems Thinking for Organizations that's as short, clever, engaging, bright, and helpful as any business book you have ever picked up. This is a story with the potential to transform any organization and it is written for anyone interested in the workings and structures of human organizations: from Board Directors and Chief Executives, through Middle Managers to interested workers. *** "Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, 'Context, Context, Context' is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, corporate, community, and academic library Systems Thinking, Organization Development, Sociology, and Business Management collections and supplemental studies reading lists." --The Midwest Book Review, Library Bookwatch, The Sociology Shelf, January 2018 [Subject: Systems Thinking, Organization Development, Sociology, Business]

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of Context

* Key Points: Context is crucial for understanding language, thoughts, and actions. It provides the background, culture, and social norms that shape communication.
* Example: A child may say "I'm hungry" in a restaurant, but the context (time, place, and presence of others) clarifies that they are asking for food.

Chapter 2: The Many Layers of Context

* Key Points: Context encompasses various layers, including physical, social, cultural, linguistic, and historical. Each layer influences interpretation.
* Example: A handshake has different meanings depending on the cultural context (e.g., greeting or business transaction).

Chapter 3: The Power of Perspective

* Key Points: Different perspectives (e.g., cultural, generational, individual) shape how we interpret context. Understanding these perspectives is essential for effective communication.
* Example: A disagreement between colleagues may stem from different generational views on work-life balance.

Chapter 4: The Contextual Loop

* Key Points: Context is constantly evolving and influencing our thoughts and actions, creating a feedback loop.
* Example: A news story about a celebrity's divorce may influence societal attitudes towards marriage.

Chapter 5: The Role of Technology in Shaping Context

* Key Points: Technology has created new contexts for communication, such as social media and online dating. These contexts come with their own norms and expectations.
* Example: A casual text message between friends in one context may be interpreted as unprofessional in a work context.

Chapter 6: The Dangers of Ignoring Context

* Key Points: Failing to consider context can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and even conflict.
* Example: A company may launch a marketing campaign that inadvertently offends a particular cultural group due to cultural insensitivity.

Chapter 7: Tips for Considering Context

* Key Points: Provides practical tips for considering context, such as asking questions, being aware of cultural differences, and paying attention to nonverbal cues.
* Example: When meeting someone from a different culture, taking the time to research their customs and traditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

Chapter 8: The Power of Context in Real Life

* Key Points: Illustrates how context plays a pivotal role in various aspects of life, including decision-making, conflict resolution, and understanding ourselves.
* Example: A doctor may make a different diagnosis for a patient based on their social and economic context.