Course Name: Seminar on Organizational Learning
Date: May 27 & 28, 2023
Classroom: National Chi Nan University & Sun Moon Lake Teachers' Hotel
Department: Department of Adult and Continuing Education, National Chung Cheng University
Instructor: Ming-Lieh Wu
Student ID: 810710004
Name: BEI-YUN WANG
At the final leg of the seminar, students from Chung Cheng University and Jinan University's master's and doctoral programs delved into U-shaped theory, learning organizations, world cafes, and practical application.
The specific topic we focused on was U-shaped theory.
Theory U, developed by Otto Scharmer, is a transformative framework for driving change and nurturing innovation. It operates on the belief that the outcomes produced within a social system are influenced by the awareness, attention, and intention of the individuals within that system. This approach provides a collection of principles and practices that facilitate profound transformations and address complex challenges in various organizations and communities.
At its essence, Theory U represents a journey undertaken by individuals and groups to explore the profound sources of knowledge and wisdom within themselves and their collective intelligence. This journey involves a shift in consciousness from conventional patterns of thinking and behavior to a state of deep listening, empathy, and generative dialogue. The term "Theory U" derives its name from the U-shaped process that symbolizes this transformative journey.
The Theory U process can be described in the following stages:
1. Co-initiating: This stage involves establishing a safe and inclusive space for dialogue and co-creation, where individuals and groups can explore and articulate shared aspirations and goals.
2. Co-sensing: In this stage, individuals suspend their assumptions and biases, opening themselves up to new perspectives and alternative ways of perceiving the world. Deep listening, empathy, vulnerability, and receptivity to feedback are crucial elements of this stage.
3.Co-presencing: This stage entails connecting with our deepest sources of wisdom and intuition, allowing them to guide our actions and decisions. Achieving this requires mindfulness, heightened awareness, and cultivating inner stillness and clarity.
4. Co-creating: During this stage, collaboration with others is vital as we prototype and experiment with new solutions and ways of working. It demands a willingness to take risks, embrace experimentation, and exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and iteration.
5. Co-evolving: The final stage involves integrating new practices and work methods into our organizations and communities while continuously adapting and evolving to changing environments. This stage necessitates a steadfast dedication to ongoing learning, reflection, and adaptation.
Theory U and Zhuangzi's philosophy share some underlying principles and concepts, primarily centered around equality and interconnectedness, they differ in their scope and specificity. Zhuangzi's philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness and equality of all elements in the natural world, urging individuals to embrace change and relinquish rigid distinctions and attachments.
However, certain principles and practices from Theory U can be effectively applied to relationships with individuals and organizations, aligning with Zhuangzi's philosophy. These include deep listening, systems thinking, letting go of attachments, and embracing diversity. By incorporating these principles, relationships within organizations can be strengthened, promoting empathy, interconnectedness, flexible thinking, and openness to change.
In conclusion, while Theory U and Zhuangzi's Theory of Equality of Things may have philosophical resonances, Theory U offers a more focused framework for change and leadership. Nonetheless, by integrating principles and practices from Theory U into relationships with individuals and organizations, one can foster empathy, interconnectedness, systems thinking, and openness to change, aligning with the core principles of Zhuangzi's philosophy.