A people's Culture is their entire design for living passed on from one generation to the next through learning. This definition embodies the mystery of the tremendous power of social conditioning. Norms, values, symbols, beliefs, social institutions, and social sanctions not only shape what we think; but because this is an interactive universe, these forces actually shape our ability to think. The breath of the Stream of Consciousness is not accessible to one who is sleepwalking under the influence of the hypnosis of social conditioning. It's been said that the average person thinks about 60,000 thoughts per day, and about 85% of those thoughts are the same thoughts that they thought the day(s) before. Human potential trapped in a pattern of repetitious thought stifling creativity, intuition, and adaptability. There is a way to see beyond the capstone. We often say, the road to wisdom is paved with questions. Asking the right questions can be the key to bending the angles of mental space, gaining access to previously unexplored corridors of the mind, and evoking new levels of creativity and awareness. Too often, we ask the right questions, too late. Oops!
Corporations also have cultures; multi-dimensional cultures. There are aspects of the corporate culture generated by the forces of the dominant culture. There are industry specific forces shaping corporate attitudes and behaviors. And then there are the unique variables operating within you, your school, your community, your organization or corporation. Understanding human nature in social context is critical to overcoming and circumventing the negative, latent or unintended effects of social conditioning. Is your corporate culture one that supports the growth and enhanced performance and adaptability of your employees? If not, all is not loss! Cultures are not static. They are subject to change and variety from environment to environment, and from time to time. That change can be managed or not. Regardless, 'change cometh'.
When the culture is experiencing Social Change of the First Kind it is like a tree that keeps its leaves with the changing of seasons and passage of time. But when Social Change of the Fourth Kind occurs, this 'entire design for living' is pulled apart; predictability is loss, insecurity rises, and individuals begin looking for answers; for ways of coping, surviving, adapting, and succeeding. Parents and teachers need answers for children. Cities need answers for their citizens. And organizations, corporations, and other social institutions need answers for their employees. It is a time of challenge as the social kinesphere is violated, but it is also a time of great opportunity.
Sharif Enterprizes, Inc offers you a unique understanding of Culture and its dynamic influence. Our Contextual Management formular and cross-cultural approach are provocative and empowering. Understanding the difference between 'personal troubles' and 'public issues'; seeing the social milieu through the concept of Cyclical Relationships; recognizing the levels of untapped potential that lie dormant within the individuals around you. That's what we're here for. From Personal Coaching to Corporate Consulting, we succeed, when we've helped you to succeed; based on you own definition of success.
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Vol 1 Issue 3 Navigating the Currents of Cultural Forces
Sharif Enterprizes, Inc. Since 1989 * Consultant
Sociologist