Re-Ordering for the Spiral

Re-Ordering Correspondence

The Principal Typology Spiral structure derives from the TET which contains all 7 Types of a Typology. The form is generated by two Cycles in which there is a progressive cumulation of Modes derived from the Types, leading to a succession of Stages.

The Spiral is a staged, i.e. time-based, development of a mechanism, the Primal Means, which serves the Primal Need of the originating Root Level.

Note: The concepts of Primal Means and Primal Need did not exist when specific Spirals were being discovered and developed.

The order of the Modes (Types) in this Stage-by-Stage process differs from the hierarchical order in a standard way.

The Table below uses Strengthening Management Culture-PH'1C derived from Decision methods-PH'1 as an example.:

  • Col. 1 lists the order of Stages in the Spiral : a fine horizontal line divides Cycle-1 and Cycle-2.
  • Col. 2 list the Mode names (which are the same as the Type names)
  • Col. 3 shows the Type formulae from the Principal Typology
  • Col. 4 shows Level formulae currently used for Trees derived from the Spiral.
  • Col. 5 shows the «obvious» Root correspondence as previously explained.
           
Spiral Stage Spiral
Mode
 PH'1
Type		 Spiral
Tree L		 Corresponding
Root Level 		Psychosocial Pressure
φ7 Systemicist L'5 CL7 Change-RL3
 Acceptability
φ6 Imaginist L'7 CL6 Experience-RL4 Well-Being
φ5 Empiricist L'2 CL5 Inquiry-RL2 Certainty
φ4 Rationalist L'1 CL4 Purpose-RL6 Autonomy
φ3 Dialectic L'4 CL3 Communication-RL5 Understanding
φ2 Structuralist L'6 CL2 Willingness-RL7 Selflessness
φ1 Pragmatist L'3 CL1 Action-RL1 Performance

The Spiral, with its basis in the TET and functioning in wider psychosocial reality, provides a different approach to appreciating the postulated Root Level correspondence.

Generation of the Spiral

Investigation of Principal Typology methods reveal that each method is especially suited to a particular sort of case or situation, and unsuited in other cases or environments.

This phenomenon flows from the particular nature of the method, and is also expressed by their positioning in the TET. Adherents to a particular method typically seek the most suitable situation within a larger setting and often avoid other situations.

There is also a dysfunctional alternative:Closed Adherents may attempt to impose their method regardless of distortions and deformations; or even deny the importance or even existence of other situations as a way to devalue or denigrate other methods.

This highlights a key psychosocial phenomenon. When we focus on a complex endeavour, or a large organization, or a matter of much social significance over time, the use of all methods either simultaneously for different issues/situations, or at different points in time for similar issues/situations, is not just desirable but essential. The inescapable conclusion is that all methods deserve value, and there must be a way to include them all.

There is an alternative partial solution: Closed In group settings, it is possible to allow people of different Types to function in their own preferred way. The likelihood of more or less intense disagreement and even open antagonism between adherents reduces the benefits. But using all Types can't be the solution, because that is inherently unworkable in the case of just one person.

The Spiral is built on a simple finding that meets this requirement. It is quite possible to value the essential feature of a method (Type) and support its use without committing to always apply the method (Type) in full in every case (as adherents might well prefer).

A Mode is the socially-valued essence of a Type/Methopd supported by a number of associated relevant values.

Investigation of Spirals reveals that they develop through time in Stages during which Modes are sequentially added. As a cumulation of useful values comes to govern the larger entity e.g. an organization, a person, a social group, it becomes able to function in a more powerful way. This occurs without impinging on the integrity of Type-based methods—these can be used at any Stage of development.

In line with the conclusion reached in examining the Types, it is essential to understand Modes prior to understanding the Spiral as a complete process.

Initially posted: 30-Nov-2013. Amended April-2015. Last updated: 3-Jan-2023.