Mark G. Edwards

Seeking the Holy Grail of organisational development: A synthesis of integral theory, spiral dynamics, corporate transformation and action inquiry

Purpose – There are several stage‐based models of organisational development (OD) that provide a systematic overview of the developmental potential of organisations. This paper compares four such models – Ken Wilbers integral theory, the spiral dynamics model of Don Beck and Chris Cowan, Richard Barretts corporate transformation model, and William Torberts action inquiry model – with the aim of presenting an integrated account of the stages of OD.Design/methodology/approach – Integral theory is used as the basis for considering the theoretical scope of these other models of OD. The integral framework is specifically designed to recognise the valid insights of other models of organisational change and, as such, is well suited for situating those insights in a comprehensive and coherent approach for mapping the developmental paths of organisations. The models considered represent some of the more innovative OD approaches.Findings – From the comparative analysis an integral model for OD is described. The ...

The integral holon: A holonomic approach to organisational change and transformation

Purpose - Over the past two decades there has been a growing recognition of the need to develop integrative approaches to understanding and explaining organisational change. One of the barriers to ...

An integrative metatheory for organisational learning and sustainability in turbulent times

Purpose: Theories of organizational learning and sustainability must be able to respond to contemporary social issues and accommodate, in some way, the multiplicity of perspectives that are present ...

Adjusting blurred visions: A typology of integral approaches to organisations

Purpose – The growing interest in developing and applying “integral” approaches to organisations has been accompanied by a corresponding increase in different ways of interpreting this term. This article aims to present a set of criteria to help in defining the varieties of integral approaches to the study of organisations.Design/methodology/approach – These criteria are derived from Ken Wilbers integral framework. The constitutive elements of Wilbers multi‐paradigm framework are used to develop a typology that honours the many forms that integral approaches can take.Findings – It is proposed that the key criteria for assessing integral approaches to organisational life are: the structural focus, the engagement with process, and the emphasis on spirituality or essential purpose. Four type categories result from applying the structural criteria. These range from a general type that utilises broadly holistic concepts through to type which employs the detailed application of developmental quadrant and leve...

Left Main Coronary Artery Stenting Prior to Surgical Repair of a Type A Aortic Dissection

Abstract  Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) can be complicated by myocardial ischemia due to extension of the dissection into coronary artery or by extrinsic compression of a coronary artery by the false lumen. We present the successful surgical management of a hemodynamically unstable patient with acute aortic dissection with ongoing myocardial ischemia by stenting the left main system prior to the surgical repair of TAAD. (J Card Surg 2011;26:634‐635)

Being present: experiential connections between Zen Buddhist practices and the grieving process.

The Zen Buddhist contemplative tradition involves several meditation and instructional techniques that have strong phenomenological and theoretical connections with the experience of loss and the process of grief. From experiences which occurred during personal encounters with individuals (three of whom had a disability) in a grief counselling setting, several points of connection were identified. These included a heightened awareness of the embodied nature of experience, the importance of dialogue and relationship for both healing and transformation, the focus on process as opposed to outcome, the importance of the process of life review, a confrontation with the nature of absence and emptiness, and being present to what is experienced rather than focusing on the need for change. These findings are discussed in terms of Ken Wilbers full-spectrum model of human development, as well as their implications for professional and non-professional support persons of people experiencing grief.

Public Value Management: A Case Study of Transitional Change in Disability Sector Reform in Western Australia

This paper contributes to the study of public value management (PVM). PVM is distinguished from other approaches to public administration in its focus on establishing community networks and collaborative capacity building for the creation of public value. We explore PVM through a case study of a public–community sector partnership strategy called the positive behaviour framework (PBF), a state government initiative designed to transform services for people with disabilities. The development and implementation of the PBF is analysed via a transitional change or ‘sector awareness’ model. Each phase of the model is illustrated through ‘positive stories’ that depict key moments in the change process and in the activities that public sector managers employed to raise awareness, build capacity, and promote collaboration. We discuss the implications of the study for disability sector change management and for the further study of the PVM approach to public sector administration.

Vygotsky’s Warning: General Science and the Need for Metalevel Research

ABSTRACT Over ninety years ago Lev Vygotsky warned of a growing crisis in psychology and social science research. Vygotsky’s warning has been echoed on many occasions but his solution to the problem has not been widely acknowledged. He advocated for a form of meta-science which he called “general science”, an integrative science that could connect and guide the development of specialised disciplines and schools of research. In this paper I explore the parallels between Vygotsky’s general science and contemporary forms of meta-level research and discuss their relevance and implications for addressing global challenges.