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Article
Publication date: 9 January 2018

Maurice Yolles and Davide Di Fatta

This paper aims to use the cultural agency theory (CAT) formulated to represent a personality in which multiple identities reside. Dynamic identity theory is used to explain the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to use the cultural agency theory (CAT) formulated to represent a personality in which multiple identities reside. Dynamic identity theory is used to explain the relationship between the multiple identities, which impact on personality creating imperatives for behaviour. The mindset agency theory (MAT), a development of CAT, is used to evaluate the personal and public identities of Theresa May, the UK Prime Minister in 2017, to determine whether there is a psychological reason for the political inconsistency she demonstrated prior to and during the UK general election campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

CAT connects identity and personality theories and is elaborated on conceptually to include the dynamic identity theory, which explains how identities develop. Developing identities result in personality adjustments through trait movements. The theory is applied to Theresa May, the UK Prime Minister in 2017. A selection of her election narratives is taken, and summative content analysis is applied. Her public and personal identities are examined in this way. Data results are tested for reliability, and her public and personal identities are compared using MAT.

Findings

Theresa May’s personal and public identities, while related, have some differences, suggesting a clinical explanation for her political inconsistencies.

Originality/value

There is no other current theory that explains the relationship between personality and identity and can evaluate personality using a qualitative–quantitative approach, undertaking a comparative evaluation of multiple identities to explain clinical psychological conditions.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 47 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2017

Davide Di Fatta and Maurice Yolles

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the personal identity of Donald Trump in the US presidential election using the mindset agency theory framework and content analysis.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the personal identity of Donald Trump in the US presidential election using the mindset agency theory framework and content analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative evaluation of identity type is determined by the personality mindset agency theory (PMAT). This measures qualitatively by assigning a type to the personal identity. The methods being adopted are content analysis, and a coding frame is constructed that arises from the key words defined in PMAT.

Findings

Using PMAT, the authors determine that Trump’s personal identity is of the type hierarchical popularism (HP), from which behavioural patterns are derived, supposing that this is consistent with his public identity type measured using agency MAT (AMAT), which will be assessed in part 3 of this paper.

Originality/value

Appropriate image management can be used in an attempt to hide problematic purely self-interest aspects of a personality. This paper shows that it is possible to evaluate personality mindsets using content analysis. In a later paper, exploration of agency mindsets will occur that is indicative of the potential for behaviour.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 46 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2014

Maurice Yolles and Gerhard Fink

Based on the cybernetic agency theory of part 1, the paper creates a parallel theory to Maruyama's Mindscape theory called mindset theory, relying on the three-trait…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the cybernetic agency theory of part 1, the paper creates a parallel theory to Maruyama's Mindscape theory called mindset theory, relying on the three-trait organisational value system of Sagiv and Schwartz that arises from extensive theoretical and empirical work on cultural values originally undertaken by Shalom Schwartz. The derived normative personality types are embedded into a cultural system and interacting with a social system. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper deals with Sorokin's theory of the immanent cultural dynamics arising from swings between more sensate or more ideational culture. For characterisation of interaction with the social environment, the paper relies on the dramatist/patterner trait from empirical work by Shotwell et al., which acts as an attractor of agency behaviour. Thus, the paper designs a five trait agency model, with one trait that serves as an attractor of agency behaviour, three formative normative personality traits, and one social trait that directs the how of behaviour.

Findings

The Sagiv-Schwartz mindset types reveal the missing four types of the Maruyama-universe, as sought by Boje. Sagiv-Schwartz mindset types create generic transparency and a theoretical and empirical base for the selection of mindset meta-types. Through its perfect match with Mindset Agency Theory as developed in part 1, this research creates a structural model that has the potential to distinguish between normal and pathological personalities within the same framework.

Research limitations/implications

The modelling approach can be applied to social, economic and political situations, with the likelihood of anticipating the likely behaviour of social collectives like durable organisation and/or nation states. Analytical and empirical application in different contexts is yet to be provided.

Practical implications

The paper sets up a means by which patterns of behaviour can be analysed in different organisational or national contexts. Empirical analysis based on this theory has the potential to identify normal states and shifts away from normal states of social systems, which may shift into stages of tension and crises, and/or mobilise forces directed towards paradigm changes in social systems.

Originality/value

The paper draws on earlier work undertaken in the last few years by the same authors, who in a new way are pursuing new directions and extensions of that earlier research.

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2017

Gerhard Fink and Maurice Yolles

The purpose of this study is to develop a generic cultural socio-cognitive trait theory of a “plural affect agency” (the emotional organisation). Interaction between the cognitive…

202

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a generic cultural socio-cognitive trait theory of a “plural affect agency” (the emotional organisation). Interaction between the cognitive and the affective personality is modelled.

Design/methodology/approach

James Gross’ (1988) model of Emotion Regulation is integrated with Normative Personality Theory in the context of Mindset Agency Theory: The agency has a “cognitive system” and an emotion regulating “affective system” which interact (Fink and Yolles, 2015).

Findings

Processes of emotion regulation pass through three stages: “Identification”, “Elaboration” and “Execution”. In a social environment, emotions are expressed through actions. The results of actions (feedback, goal achievement) are assessed through affective operative intelligence in the light of pursued goals.

Research limitations/implications

The theory will provide guidance for analysis of cultural differentiation within social systems (e.g. societies or organisations), with reference to identification, elaboration and execution of “emotion knowledge”.

Practical implications

Understanding interdependencies between cognition and emotion regulation is a prerequisite of managerial intelligence and strategic cultural intelligence, in demand for interaction and integration processes across social systems.

Originality/Value

The model provides a framework which links emotion expression and emotion regulation with cognition analysis. In part 2 of this paper, based on this theory a typology can be developed which for given contexts allows ex ante expectations of typical patterns of behaviour to be identified.

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2017

Davide Di Fatta and Maurice Yolles

Building on theory in Part 2 of this paper, a relationship is developed between the strategic multiple identities considered there. Personality analytic pathologies arise when…

Abstract

Purpose

Building on theory in Part 2 of this paper, a relationship is developed between the strategic multiple identities considered there. Personality analytic pathologies arise when these identities are not consistent. This theory is then examined using the mindset agency theory (MAT) developed in Part 2 of the paper. Two classes of MAT models exist: a three-trait (MAT3T) and a five-trait (MAT5T). The former centres on personality traits, while the latter includes traits that are external to the personality. These are then applied to a case study of Donald Trump’s US election campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying MAT3T and MAT5T to the Trump election campaign, personal and public identities are analysed using content analysis of his narratives.

Findings

Of the strategic identities, data can be accessed for two, and measured qualitatively using mindset theory, these indicating the likelihood of a personality with pathologies. It is found that Trump MAT3T and MAT5T take different values, suggesting that he has an analytical pathology in his political agency.

Originality/value

There is not currently any coherent dynamic theory of multiple identities able to provide measures indicative of personality pathologies.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 47 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2015

Gerhard Fink and Maurice Yolles

While emotions and feelings arise in the singular personality, they may also develop a normative dimensionality in a plural agency. The authors identify the cybernetic systemic…

1785

Abstract

Purpose

While emotions and feelings arise in the singular personality, they may also develop a normative dimensionality in a plural agency. The authors identify the cybernetic systemic principles of how emotions might be normatively regulated and affect plural agency performance. The purpose of this paper is to develop a generic cultural socio-cognitive trait theory of plural affective agency (the emotional organization), involving interactive cognitive and affective traits, and these play a role within the contexts of Mergers and Acquisitions (M & A).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors integrate James Gross’ model of emotion regulation with the earlier work on normative personality in the context of Mindset Agency Theory. The agency is a socio-cognitive entity with attitude, and operates through traits that control thinking and decision making. These traits are epistemically independent and operate on a bipolar scale; with the alternate poles having an auxiliary function to each other – where the traits may take intermediary “balanced” states between the poles.

Findings

Processes of affect regulation are supposed to go through three stages: first, identification (affective situation awareness); second, elaboration of affect is constituted through schemas of emotional feeling, which include emotion ideologies generating emotional responses to distinct contextual situations; third, execution: in the operative system primary emotions are assessed through operative intelligence for any adaptive information and the capacity to organize action; and turned into action, i.e. responses, through cultural feeling rules and socio-cultural display rules, conforming to emotion ideologies.

Research limitations/implications

This new theory provides guidance for framing multilevel interaction where smaller collectives (as social systems) are embedded into larger social systems with a culture, an emotional climate and institutions. Thus, it is providing a generic theoretical frame for M & A analyses, where a smaller social unit (the acquired) is to be integrated into a larger social unit (the acquirer).

Practical implications

Understanding interdependencies between cognition and emotion regulation is a prerequisite of managerial intelligence, which is at demand during M & A processes. While managerial intelligence may be grossly defined as the capacity of management to find an appropriate and fruitful balance between action and learning orientation of an organization, its affective equivalent is the capacity of management to find a fruitful balance between established emotion expression and learning alternate forms of emotion expression.

Social implications

Understanding interdependencies between cognition and emotion is a prerequisite of social, cultural and emotional intelligence. The provided theory can be easily linked with empirical work on the emergence of a cultural climate of fear within societies. Thus, “Affective Agency Theory” also has a bearing for political systems’ analysis, what, however, is beyond the scope of this paper.

Originality/value

The paper builds on the recently developed Mindset Agency Theory, elaborating it through the introduction of the dimension of affect, where cognitive and affective traits interact and become responsible for patterns of behaviour. The model is providing a framework which links emotion expression and emotion regulation with cognitive analysis.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1970

Gerhard Fink and Maurice Yolles

A typology of basic affective and cognitive orientations is developed within a generic cultural socio-cognitive trait theory of a “plural affect agency” (the emotional…

Abstract

Purpose

A typology of basic affective and cognitive orientations is developed within a generic cultural socio-cognitive trait theory of a “plural affect agency” (the emotional organisation).

Design/methodology/approach

Affective personality is defined in terms of a set of affect traits. These are defined in terms of epistemically independent bipolar affect types, which in turn coalesce into a set of mindset types that can be related to the classical four temperaments.

Findings

Different affect types are supposed to differently regulate the three stages of emotion management. Affect types and cognitive types provide mutual contexts, and foster reciprocal affect and cognitive orientations.

Research limitations/implications

The theory provides guidance for analysis of cultural differentiation within social systems (societies/organisations), with reference to identification, elaboration and execution of “emotion knowledge” and “cognitive knowledge”.

Practical implications

Understanding interdependencies between cognition and emotion regulation is a prerequisite of managerial intelligence and strategic cultural intelligence, which is in demand for interaction and integration processes across social systems.

Originality/value

From the framework model linking emotion expression and emotion regulation with cognition analysis, a typology arises allowing ex-ante expectation of typical patterns of behaviour.

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2014

Maurice Yolles and Gerhard Fink

Context and cultural condition given, cybernetic agency theory enables the anticipation of patterns of behaviour. However, this only occurs under “normal” conditions. Abnormal…

283

Abstract

Purpose

Context and cultural condition given, cybernetic agency theory enables the anticipation of patterns of behaviour. However, this only occurs under “normal” conditions. Abnormal conditions occur when pathologies develop in the agency, especially within its Piagetian intelligences. An understanding of these pathologies, therefore, constitutes an appreciation of how abnormal behaviour develops. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Different classifications of pathology are considered: autopathic and sociopathic, transitive and lateral pathologies, epistemological and ontological pathologies, within a system and outside system effects of pathologies. The effects of pathologies are inefficacy, loss of cohesion within a system, emerging neurosis, and not least corruption.

Findings

Within Agency Mindset Theory, four types of pathologies are identified: being detached from the cultural system, behaviour does not conform to extant values; an inhibited figurative intelligence is disturbing self-reference and resulting in incapability to learn cognitively; the operative system does not respond to strategic intentions: operative decision making is not anchored in ethical, ideological or strategic specifications of the social system; action and behaviour of the organisation are driven by outside interests.

Research limitations/implications

This part of the research could only provide a framework for theoretically identifying the systemic roots of pathologies within social systems, but not provide an in-depth analysis of the shifts in values and practices, which accompany the emergence of pathologies.

Practical implications

The research is indicating that emergent pathologies and moves towards corruption could be either identified through underlying shifts in values and practices, but also through reduced functions (inefficacies) of the indispensable internal processes of an organisation (a social system), be it action-oriented or learning-oriented processes.

Originality/value

The paper draws on earlier work undertaken in the last few years by the same authors, who in a new way are pursuing new directions and extensions of that earlier research.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Maurice Yolles and Davide Di Fatta

There is fragmentation in the academic study of identity theory, and it is dislocated from personality theory. The paper aims to develop a model that resolves both of these issues…

Abstract

Purpose

There is fragmentation in the academic study of identity theory, and it is dislocated from personality theory. The paper aims to develop a model that resolves both of these issues using autonomous agency theory. It is shown that identities can be evaluated using mindset agency theory. Application is then made to a case study of Donald Trump’s US election campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first of this three-part paper, the fragmented identity theory is examined ontologically to generate a coherent model of multiple identities.

Findings

A new coherent model of multiple identities is created.

Originality/value

There is not currently any that has created coherent theory of multiple identities.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 46 no. 06
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2021

Maurice Yolles

This paper is in two parts. The purpose of the first part was to explore the basis for the creation of an agentic ecology theory that could provide a generic multidisciplinary…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is in two parts. The purpose of the first part was to explore the basis for the creation of an agentic ecology theory that could provide a generic multidisciplinary context-free manifold that can be applied to specific domains and contexts. As an element of this, it explored the relationship between agency and its agents (at various foci) and the nature of agency ecologies. It also explored the relationship between viability and sustainability. In this second part, the purpose is to create an agency model that will recognise the analytical and decision-making attributes of the viability–sustainability relationship by centring on the modelling a socioeconomic ecosystem and a social disciplinary species model.

Design/methodology/approach

Agency theory will be used to model a generic agency ecology and its environment of subordinate elements – especially those subordinates that can be used as amenities to satisfy the needs to agency development. Part 1 of the paper took a tour of concepts relevant to the representation of ecosystem structures and their application. Part 2 will centre on delivering a schema capable of embracing agency ecology from which applications may derive.

Findings

It is shown agency theory is not only a modelling schema but can also provide diagnosis to examine the condition of, or for locating problems within, an agency in its ecosystem environment. This is illustrated within a socioeconomic context.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is conceptual in nature, without any to diagnose any substantive issues within the socio-economic context.

Originality/value

A generalized agency ecology approach is proposed over this two-part paper that is novel through the use of 3rd order cybernetics.

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