Philosophy of Meaning and Value Summary and Application Plan
My journey to develop a personal philosophy of meaning and value, and nurturing the plan to acquire and apply meaning personally and professionally is inspiring. Combining significant philosophical and postmodern approaches to life, ethics, values, and its materialization in career and personal growth expresses a voyage of discovery, analysis, fusion, creation, destruction and re-construction. The puzzle of developing a personal philosophy of meaning and value expresses the process during the creation of the plan itself creating an application of postmodern ideology. The purpose of this paper is to share the personal philosophy of meaning and value using the first person, “I” to discuss my journey. Incorporated into my philosophy is the nature of meaning and value, its purpose, analysis, justification, acquisition, and application in organizational settings.
Deconstructing a current world view in the context of underlying assumptions, paradigms, and models introduces a process to break out of limiting ideas and viewpoints. As Kuhn (1996) noted, paradigms and models are limiting and not final or all inclusive, thus he coined the phrase “paradigm shift.” To discuss what constitutes the self, several major approaches are taken. The first is viewing the self in relation to others; our relationships define us.. To communicate is a daily activity for most people. As Lyotard (1984) discussed, “A self does not amount to much, but no self is an island; each exists in a fabric of relations that is now more complex than ever before” (p. 15).
Personal Philosophy of Meaning and Value
The pathway to developing my Personal Philosophy of Meaning and Value matured through examining the various models, theories, and practices used to define personal cultural, psychological, physical, and spiritual views of personal reality and the world. Exploration of postmodernist strategy in all disciplines characterized by deconstructing accepted models and paradigms, regardless of its previous influence in culture. Postmodernist theory removes categories and classifications, rejecting standard modernism. Instead power, relationships, communication, motivations, and the environment create and define reality. Analyzing issues at a macro level allows me to cognize meaning in my life at personal and organizational levels.
I agree with Solomon’s (1999) statement that philosophy can help see beyond the self. from an elevated view, the perspective has changed and I can analyze myself at a level of abstraction beyond my concerns and problems. The simple question, “Who am I” does beg identification in a context of career, family, social status, or possessions. Materialism in the United States links economic status to personal identity.
Buddhism and other Eastern philosophies promote meditation and inward reflection to connect with the self. It appears that most traditions agree with Solomon, we are all connected at a level, such as Jung’s collective unconscious. Jung (1959) asserted in his book Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious (p. 43),
My thesis then, is as follows: in addition to our immediate consciousness, which is of a thoroughly personal nature and which we believe to be the only empirical psyche (even if we tack on the personal unconscious as an appendix), there exists a second psychic system of a collective, universal, and impersonal nature which is identical in all individuals. This collective unconscious does not develop individually but is inherited. It consists of pre-existent forms, the archetypes, which can only become conscious secondarily and which give definite form to certain psychic contents.
Approach to Life
Clearly, my definition of meaningfulness in my life is in constant flux. At present, completing my doctoral degree is meaningful as it infuses my entire thought processes, influencing my professional activities, personal relationships, and family interactions. As I grow older, my power and scope of influence continues to expand. I am now shifting from reacting to the actions of others by acknowledging personal responsibility in all relationships, analyzing a situation and developing insightful reaction that most benefits all stakeholders.
New situations that I will face as I develop will directly benefit from the critical thinking processes I am now polish. I am mindful, and value the meaning of each day. My life becomes enriched as I make new constructions of meaning a habit. Team and community efforts require high-level complementary moral values, and personal improvements will empower me to make positive changes in all personal and professional interactions and actions.
In exploring various definitions and descriptions of postmodernism, a common theme emerged. Postmodernist theory eliminates categories and classifications, rejecting standard modernism. According to Jameson (1991), postmodernism is the “dominant cultural logic of late capitalism.” Application of postmodernist strategy in all disciplines looks beyond previously accepted models and paradigms, regardless of its previous influence in culture. To launch a personal postmodern self-analysis, the cultural, psychological, physical, spiritual models are identified as such. It is unimportant that models were used, the focus is on the recognition that a model is in place is the goal. Deconstructing a current world view in the context of underlying assumptions, paradigms, and models initiates a process to break out of limiting ideas and viewpoints. As Kuhn (1996) noted paradigms and models are limiting, not final or all inclusive, thus he coined the phrase “paradigm shift.”
Ethics and Values
Creating meaning in my life is an ethical tribute to personal construction of meaning and value development and implementation. Developing and understanding personal values allows sharing of complementary ideals in organizational settings. According to Rest et al (2001), Kohlberg’s moral development model presents six stages of development:
1. Obedience and Punishment
2. Individualism and Exchange
3. Good interpersonal relationships
4. Maintaining the social order
5. Social contract and Individual rights
6. Universal principles
Moral and ethical development in the first couple of stages relies on external forces taught by parents and society. As an adult, refined ideals taught me to evaluate situations in greater context than an absolute polarity. Kohlberg’s stages of moral development (Kohlberg, 1971) partially explain the possibilities behind an individual’s moral perceptions and the decisions that are made fromthis (Weber & Wasieleski, 2001). I attribute value to the Kohlberg model as shaping childhood experiences are accounted for illustrating values such as inclusion/exclusion, dominance/leadership, and power/nurturing are originally taught. Focusing on strong interpersonal relationships, respecting people, fair treatment, and building mutual trust contribute to my influence in both personal and professional situations. Ethics and values created through action, behavior, and application by honoring the spirit of rules.
Application in Career Development
Shifting organizational visions and values now incorporate inclusion, society evolution such as diversity, religious, and spiritual values with company vision. As a leader, I evaluate the context of situations to determine a fair position while viewing them at both at a micro and at a macro level. Starling (1997) indicates that Nietzsche proposed there are no absolute morals, and I am in agreement with this philosophy. Postmodernism challenges us to continually to develop and evaluate traditional paradigms, so my personal ethics are in constant flux and growth. As McKernon (2002) discusses, incorporating postmodernism into business allows an opportunity to break free from traditional tactical constraints, thereby encouraging a creative means of functioning in a complex, changing environment. Postmodernism is an opportunity to maximize an eclectic strategic focus that encompasses traditional corporate pragmatism with social, cultural, and technical gestalt.
Leadership Style. The best interest of an organization is to balance fairness with inclusion and nurturing. The concept of transformational leadership is perhaps the current ideal. In transformational leadership the relationship between leader and follower is positive. Following the philosophy of win-win, the intention of transformational leading is to meet objectives but also provide growth and personal development for followers. As Avolio and Yammarino (2002) discuss, transformational leadership brings benefits to followers such as intellectual stimulation, motivation, idealized influence, and personal consideration. The follower gets an opportunity to go beyond creating a new vision set by the leader. The follower experiences personal growth on the journey to organizational change.
A transformational leader is a willing role model. Transformational leaders are self-aware and confident. True confidence and competence translates into organizational success. As leadership is not sought for personal ego gratification, exchanges between leader and follower are genuine and mutually beneficial. Transformational leaders treat others well, and are often nurturing. Behavior supporting the organizational goals and vision, linking to personal follower goals, and demonstrating emotional intelligence, Avolio & Yammarino (2002). As learners, we have many leaders, as followers, we are held to high expectations, nurtured, and guided to a new vision with optimism.
Values Applied at Work. Established value systems informally inherited from upbringing, as children we ground values based on family morals, religious exposure, and modeling adult behavior. As I developed into an adult, I learned educational philosophies through undergraduate and graduate studies. Various organizational experiences and corporate cultures created a business model framework. Various organized religions and philosophies shaped ethical conflicts between corporate expectations and behavior. An example of this is during a cease and desist order in a bank, being encouraged as a corporate lender to sign a substantive loan based on bogus repayment sources. Ethically, I knew that adhering to “above-board” business practices would eventually result in losing my position, the managers I worked for wanted employees who would lie and cheat to serve their career progress.
Gender differences do influence treatment and reaction. Though there may be differences in goals and application of ethics, I consider men and women morally equal. As a woman, I have experienced treatment based on stereotypical assumptions, for example considered to be less intelligent than a male counterpart. In corporate situations, I was propositioned by married male executives often. Not interesting in these types of activities, my rejection of advances in some instances transmuted to a slander of personal reputations. According to Nietzsche, “Morality is based on a misunderstanding. It refers to a fictitious world and has no claim on us.” Lack of ethical sensibility and morality contributes to chaos; therefore I disagree with Nietzsches’ opinions in this context.
Application in Personal Growth
Postmodernism discusses communication and meaning in an environment of constant flux and change. Pierre Bourdieu (1984) controversially addressed the effects of environment, education, power, and influence on the social milieu and social class distinction. To create a reaction and critique of major theories and ideas, I deconstructed my ideas of social class, education, and visual preferences of my cultural environment in Los Angeles, California.
Applying personal meaning and value encompasses high-level cognitive skills such as emotional intelligence and critical thinking that I constantly practice to improve. I recognize the creation of meaning and value is not absolute, what I was taught in childhood, extended family, by organizations, the media may not apply in present day. Meaning and value creation with a postmodern twist includes analyzing the environment, inclusive of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats prior to constructing an interpretation or creating a personal or professional strategy to progress.
Development in Meaning and Value Gained
A thorough development of meaning and value gained by experiencing and processing numerous philosophies, theories, perspectives, and paradigms from the traditional, modern, and postmodern eras. The opportunity to delve into personal, societal, and professional perspectives channels critical thinking activity as I analyze, synthesize, and deconstruct existing paradigms of meaning and value taught to date by familial, community, educational, and professional environments. In addition, the opportunity to interact in discussions with peers allows learning multiple perspectives, opinions, and challenges experienced by individuals in a variety of professions and career paths.
Deconstruction
Studying the philosophies of illustrious thinkers in history, various systematic approaches to meaning and value led me to review traditional, modern, and postmodern paradigms and ideologies to analyze the practical application of views and thoughts. Exploring the philosophy of knowledge grew from the works of the Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These philosophers agreed on the fixed nature of knowledge as absolute and did not acknowledge relativity. Plato further defined knowledge as “justified true belief” supported by reason, (Moser, 2002).
Subsequently, the major philosophies of empiricism and rationalism developed after the Renaissance period. Empiricism considers knowledge gained by personal sensory experiences but rationalism confirms knowledge gained through rational thought. Modern philosophies grew from traditional beliefs, including the influence of technology and scientific development. Postmodernism includes individual and social values with a dynamic approach that accounts for the continually changing environment that acknowledges values are fluid and may change.
Construction
My objective reality embraces global rights and values while honoring personal liberties. Radical innovations, strategies, and tactics characterize postmodernism as information and knowledge are community-driven through expertise, popularity, or consensus. Knowledge is continually evolving organically as known information changes to the global, local, or personal environment (McKernon, 2002). Influences of group perceptions or world views impact markets, consumerism, and business success.
The issue of meaning is significant in business. Leadership encompasses motivating and empowering employees. Business leaders need strong people skills to listen actively and communicate strategy. As Kuhn (1996) discusses, gestalt experiments provide the nature of perceptual transformations, not previous patterns of information. Social media interventions thus merge experimentation with information obtained from obsolete paradigms as well as existing knowledge.
How society constructs meaning takes a step back from the concept of knowledge, instead focusing on how society defines and views reality. Underlying beliefs, assumptions, and ideas deconstructed discern a community groupthink of reality. Influences of group perceptions or world views impact markets, consumerism, and business success. Innovations in communication impact both conscious and subconscious influences on perceived reality, allow for an organic shift in reality and therefore valued beliefs. Application of business strategy in an organic system requires deconstructed organizational behavior strategic principles; working with the system and facilitating planned change (Summers et al, 1997).
Personal Examples
My management and leadership journey does support the idea that leadership is both an art and a science. I strive as a transformational leader to practice self-awareness and confidence. As leadership is not sought for personal ego satisfaction, exchanges between leader and follower are genuine and mutually beneficial. Behavior supporting the organizational goals and vision, linking to personal follower goals, and displaying emotional intelligence. Dynamics of the economy, innovation, globalization and competition demands customized leadership solutions and strategies that employ the benevolent aspects of all leadership styles.
Pierre Bourdieu embraced the postmodern approach of considering the entire social construct of a person inclusive of an entire field and habitus. I agree random expressions of cultural capital benefit individuals and businesses. In my consulting practice, to enhance client public relations I encourage businesses to build Facebook and Twitter followings. The symbiotic capital I enjoy from social media interventions wins clients and revenue. The increased cultural capital built successfully increases my personal and business social mobility.
My consulting firm divisions are: website development, consulting for e-commerce companies, leadership development, and instructional design for universities. Following trends in social media daily by reading industry newsletters, blogs, webinars, Internet radio, and Internet TV allow me to determine tactics for clients based on ideas, innovations, and the experiences of others. Knowledge capture is integrally tied to discovery, as I analyze performance to tactics practiced by clients and combine this information with cultural influence. Entrepreneurship allows integration of values such as inclusion, fairness, openness, integrity, critical thinking, growth, and transformational leadership.
An example of community dynamics is the Internet. To compete effectively in the current business environment, especially in technology-based businesses such as online universities and e-commerce companies, access to timely and reliable information is crucial. Several critical challenges must be overcome. These challenges include the timeliness of information, the accuracy of information in a global marketplace, and viable critical thinking skills to create and execute strategy. E-Commerce business success is dependent on strong practice and leadership. Technology allows business to use emerging media in which there is no reliable blueprint for profitability and success.
In times of rapid technological information, consideration of the asynchronous global nature of information shared illustrates postmodern strategy in a complex environment of continual change. “The organization takes feedback from users – their experience and knowledge about a product – and combines it with the technical knowledge of their development staff to create new knowledge, for example best practices and lessons learned and ultimately new products ” (Becerra-Fernandez et al, 2004, p. 306). By understanding the dynamic business environment online, vulnerabilities in strategic execution can be avoided.
Philosophy of Meaning and Value Action Plan
Experiencing this class allowed me to deconstruct and reconstruct meaning and value in my life both personally and professionally. The opportunity to analyze and synthesize traditional, modern, and postmodern philosophies granted a challenge to extract the most relevant ideologies and form ideals to integrate in business and life. In absence of a solid history of strategic planning, leaders must rely heavily on outside information. Though resources disbursed an astuteness is necessary, it appears the Internet provides a timely source of information. To direct an online business successfully (whether in the role of consultant or business owner) requires some solid skills.
Of further interest is the timeline in the evolution of theories compared with development of modern organizations. Pure trait leadership considers attributes not learned but genetic. One could argue that charismatic leadership uses natural talent as well…not everyone can learn to generate charisma. Situational leadership and transformational leadership make use of learned skills obtained by formal education and experience. A concern of trait, situational, and charismatic leaders is the treatment of followers. Transformational leadership is the only style that puts significance on the welfare of followers. The postmodern leadership paradigm allows flux and change, thereby valuing inclusion, technology, relationships, and evolution.
In my organization, tacit information plays an important role in deciding strategies and tactics for emerging client organizations. Knowledge management itself is both an art and a science as social media effectiveness relies on not only the tools used but also the manner in which the knowledge is administered to target market clients in a value-based system. Successes and failures in tactical implementation create new opportunities for value discovery, allowing for more concrete future implementations.
Though information gained through tacit knowledge is difficult to measure with respect to cost/benefit, the opportunity to create tangible result from intangible pursuits effectively allow companies to compete and lay the groundwork for a competitive edge. My company organization uses observation, research, technology, and consumer feedback to capture data. Strategies for knowledge discovery in place include data gathering by interview, networking, professional organization seminars, and online research. I plan to expand discovery and capture by adding a blog allowing feedback to my organization in which clients can share case studies and success stories resulting from performing services provided by my firm. I also intend to add blogs to my client websites so more information sharing can occur with valid feedback, to implement inclusion andrelationship building. Putting these strategies into practice creates a sound postmodern leadership intervention supporting my construction of meaning and value.
References
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