I agree with both themes that have emerged here: Invitation, which includes a question, is part of what gives focus to a particular experience of "self-organization". Without the invitation and question that particular experience of organization emerging from the interaction of "selves" who have gathered does not happen.
I think "self-organization" is one perspective that needs to be integrated with others to get beyond some of the issues Michael has raised. To me "self-organization" is a particular signifier of the way complex systems happen. All complex systems -- all systems. That term does not describe the "selves" that organize or their intention or worldviews. The nature of the emergent organization in any situation depends partly on the "selves" and the perspective and values that they bring both in an "invitation" to the process of self-organizing -- how they choose to organize. Hierarchy, like all other human systems of organization, self-organized (and still does) based on particular worldviews that allowed some people to act like they are in control with the complicity of those other selves who participated. It is organized that way for particular socio, economic and environmental reasons. Of course, having swords or guns or Islam or Christianity didn't hurt. That world view still dominates most organizations in our world. "Wikinomics" (Tapscott 2006) is a fascinating description of how mass collaborative "self-organization" is happening now that we have Web 2.0. The perspective of the information age and integral possibilities is allowing major steps beyond hierarchy and supply chain management -- to peer collaboration. It requires letting go of control and engaging in new relationships that emerge in new "space" that is open. It is clearly recognized as self-organizing. But, it takes a view of the world that understands "self-organizing" to "see" and value it. The "selves" in such cases often understand that they are self-organizing and find ways to enhance or improve it. OST is a good way to practice being intentional about maximizing particular aspects or events of self-organization. It is a process that is happening all the time. OST uses invitation/intention and a certain set of principles and a law to provide the "permeable boundaries" within which a particular instance of self-organization happens. I agree with Harrison that it feels so real, powerful and spiritual because we are connecting to the way reality works. OST recognizes the reality of self-organization and enhances it in our own awareness and that of a gathering of "selves". It is our worldview that allows us to see it and OST helps us to open the space in our worldview to see even more self-organization happening. Larry Larry Peterson Associates in Transformation Toronto, ON, Canada 416.653.4829 [email protected] www.spiritedorg.com * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected]: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
