Reading Week #1 – Argyris Abyss

What can I say?

Chris Argyris is an incredibly dense man that really likes theorising about how theories effect other theories which then go on to create new theories??? All these theories and variables take me back to my VCE psychology days which did not sit with me so fondly. I’m not going to try and unpack the initial spiel discussing all of Argyris’s achievements and workings however I did find some things that I found interesting… I think.

The first section talks about the Theories of action: Theory-in-use and the espoused theory:

Espoused theory – The words we use to tell what we would do in a given situation. The answer given when asked how we would act when placed in a certain position.

Theory-in-use – The actual behaviour sought from personal tactic structures. Their relation to grammar. (I’m not sure if these can be instinct type reactions)

Just as I was typing that i found a video that explains the difference between the two in language that people like me can understand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maAyBcVw5LU

The Theory-in-use also has a model WOOHOO

This is a model which shows the difference between single-loop and double loop learning.

Single Loop Learning – This is a response to a problem through a strategy that will work and within the governing variables.

Double Loop Learning – An alternative to this is to question the governing variables to critical scrutiny.

There are also a number of methods that Argyris devised to help improve / enhance the double loop learning method. There is a group of phases that outline a method that can also help achieve  a environment where an organisation can grow and improve as a collective.

Model I – This is the model of theory-in-use that most people begin in, which usually has them personally on top, not really talking into account what other people are thinking or feeling. Involves making inferences about another persons behaviour without checking if it is valid.

Model II – This has more mutual connotations and calls on a persons ability to make inferences using personal good quality data.  

I believe that this reading is widely used and related towards workplace environments however i think that it is useful for Networked Media as it is very relatable to student cohort. Working together in groups is a very important aspect of classes within the media course and being able to evaluate your position in the group may very well help improve group morale and production.