(Disclaimer: The web page advertised above was randomly chosen by GeoCities. It does not necessarily reflect my point of view or life style.)
Melissa's MyriadThoughts on Human Relations |
This page starts off with three paragraphs on one of my "soapboxes". Then it ends with an excerpt from some Open System/Closed Systen notes.
Some of those conflicts are caused by well-intentioned people who have incorrect information. Much of it is caused by a willingness to be greedy, selfish, prideful or just plain thoughtless. It would be a better life for all of us if we would rise above those behaviors--to control the primal urges of dissension, and use our intelligence to reason and work together for the benefit of all involved. Not only that, but to also use our skills, talents and resources to help each other. The diversity of peoples and cultures brings a wonderful variety to our lives. Yet when it comes right down to the core, we all have some similarities. For example, all of us are imperfect. Everyone one has their flaws, weaknesses, their "Achilles heal"......from the rich to the poor, the Christian to the atheist, or from the black to the white. To balance those weak spots, everyone has their strengths, talents, their "special somethings" they excel at. I think it would be extraordinary if people concentrated more on using their strengths to collaborate, balance, and help each other. We will not reach our highest potentials by tearing each other down, but by building each other up.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
According to Lawrence Kohlberg there are three stages of moral reasoning. Each level has two stages:
Those three stages of moral reasoning fit into three levels of human functioning: competition, cooperation and collaboration.
1. Competition: People functioning at this level are at moral reasoning stages 1 and 2. Emphasis is on litigation, dependence, and control.
2. Cooperation: People functioning at this level are at moral reasoning stages 3 and 4. Emphasis is on negotiation, independence and contracts.
3. Collaboration: People functioning at this level are at moral reasoning stages 5 and 6. Emphasis is on consensus, interdependence and commitment.
People functioning in Competition and Cooperation also have a Closed System mentality. People functioning in Collaboration have an Open System mentality.
The Closed System is marked by a win/loose orientation. There is prejudice, punishment and praise at work in this system. [Prejudice is defined as: A willingness to believe those things which are negative and false. There are six levels of prejudice: 1) Believing, 2) Talking, 3) Avoiding, 4) Excluding, 5) Assault, verbal and/or physical, 6) Killing ]
The Open System is marked by a win/win orientation. There is love, discipline and encouragement at work in this system. [Love is defined as: A willingness to believe those things which are positive and true. There are six levels of love: 1) Believing, 2) Talking, 3) Seeking out those who need you, 4) Including them, 5) Stroking, verbal and/or physical, 6) Growth ] People functioning in this system can identify with these statements: 1) At any moment, at any time, a person is doing the very best they can. 2) Regardless of how well they are doing, they want to do better.
See the Levels of Human Functioning Chart
Home -
Teacher’s Lounge - Genealogy Quest
Art Education - Art, Etc. - Birkholz Family History Search - Caswell Family History Quest
Cat’s Meow - Cherokee Page - Lakota Page - LDS Page - On Target Award
A Few of My Favorite Sites - Your Comments and Suggestions
Welcome
Awards Bestowed Upon My Site - Who is Melissa, Anyway?