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Making the Case for a Developmental Perspective

Profile image of Susanne Cook-GreuterSusanne Cook-Greuter
https://doi.org/10.1108/00197850410563902
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11 pages

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Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of action logics as increasingly complex and flexible systems of meaning making to the management field. It adds the developmental perspective (vertical transformation) to the training and development concept of growth as lateral expansion. It outlines the major shift from viewing people mostly as different types to also considering differences in the differentiation and integration of their meaning making capacity.

Key takeaways
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  1. Developmental perspective enhances understanding of leadership beyond personality types, focusing on meaning-making capacity.
  2. The Leadership Development Framework (LDF) includes nine adult meaning-making stages, revealing complex reasoning patterns.
  3. Vertical development fosters shifts in perspective, crucial for navigating complexity and change in organizations.
  4. Approximately 75-80% of adults operate at conventional stages, with only 10-20% at postconventional stages.
  5. Integrating developmental theories into workplace practices improves coaching, conflict resolution, and team dynamics.

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References (15)

  1. References: Argyris, C. & Schön, D. A. (1977) Theory in practice: Increasing professional effectiveness. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
  2. Cook-Greuter, S. (1990). Maps for living: Ego-development stages from symbiosis to conscious universal embeddedness. In M. L. Commons, C. Armon, L. Kohlberg, F. A. Richards, T. A. Grotzer, & J. D. Sinnott (Eds.), Adult development vol. 2, Models and methods in the study of adolescent and adult thought (pp. 79-104). New York: Praeger.
  3. Cook-Greuter, S. R. (1999). Postautonomous ego development: A study of its nature and measurement. Doctoral dissertation. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Graduate School of Education
  4. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence. New York: Bantam Books.
  5. Goleman, D. Leadership that gets results. Harvard Business Review, March/April 2000.
  6. Graves, C. Levels of Existence: An Open System Theory of Values," Journal of Humanistic Psychology, November, 1970.
  7. Loevinger, J. & Wessler R. (1970) Measuring ego development: Vol 1. Construction and use of a sentence completion test. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
  8. Loevinger, J. (1966). The meaning and measurement of ego-development. American Psychologist, 21, 195-206.
  9. Kohlberg, L. (1969). Stage and sequence: The cognitive developmental approach to socialization In D. A. Goslin (Ed.), Handbook of socialization theory and research. New York: Rand McNally.
  10. Maslow, A. (1968). Toward a new psychology of being (2 nd ed.) NY: Harper & Row Piaget, J. (1954). The construction of reality in the child. New York: Basic Books.
  11. Rooke, D. & Torbert, W. (1998). Organisational transformation as a function of the CEO's developmental stage. Organizational development journal. 16.1 11-28
  12. Rooke, D. (1997) Organizational transformation requires the presence of leaders who are Strategists and Magicians. Organisations and people. 4:3
  13. Senge P. M. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art & practice of the learning organization. New York: Currency Doubleday.
  14. Torbert, W. (1987). Managing the corporate dream: Restructuring for long-term success. Homewood IL: Dow Jones-Irwin.
  15. Torbert, W., Cook-Greuter, S. et al. (2004). Action inquiry: The secret of timely and transforming leadership. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler)

FAQs

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AI

What explains the importance of developmental stages in leadership effectiveness?add

The paper reveals that leadership effectiveness increases with higher developmental stages, where postconventional leaders outperform their conventional counterparts in adaptability and integration, particularly under complexity.

How does the Leadership Development Framework categorize adult meaning-making?add

The Leadership Development Framework outlines nine adult meaning-making stages, ranging from preconventional Opportunist to postconventional Magician, emphasizing how they influence behavior and decision-making.

What role does emotional intelligence play in leadership styles?add

Research indicates that leaders with high emotional intelligence significantly improve workplace climate, aligning with advanced developmental stages that enhance self-awareness and social skills.

How do lateral and vertical development differ in adult growth?add

Lateral development involves acquiring new skills through experience, while vertical development leads to transformative changes in perspective, fundamentally altering one's interpretation of reality.

When did developmental thinking start becoming significant in workplace contexts?add

Developmental thinking began gaining traction in workplace applications at the turn of the 21st century, driven by the Integral Institute's initiatives and focused on addressing complex societal challenges.

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