A Practical Theory to Help You Change Society One Organization at a Time

A case study is used to compare and contrast two organizational paradigms, the traditional/hierarchical or ‘pyramidal’ paradigm and the participative/democratic or ‘parabolic’ paradigm. The term parabolic is introduced to highlight the too often overlooked role of structure in shaping behavior. Organizational structures unconsciously shape our behavior in nearly all of our interactions because they reinforce clusters of values. The pyramidal paradigm subtly encourages behaviors based on status and control. The parabolic paradigm encourages behaviors based on relationship, learning and purpose. The parabolic paradigm integrates two approaches - collaborative and structural. When leaders or change agents integrate a collaborative mindset (I don’t, you could, together better) with the structural mindset (pyramids dominate, parabolas partner, structure matters) they develop a theory of practice that enables them to act more purposefully, intelligently and more courageously. When they repeat these behaviors within their organizations they create ripples and help to shift their colleague’s mindsets to be more collaborative within their organization and ultimately the world.