SymbAN 01

Symbolic Perception Diagnostic Tool.

1. Application
2. Modality of administration and Procedure of mapping
3. Analysis and interpretation
4. Conceptual Model

1. Application

This tool is used to gather the group’s perception of itself within the organizational
context. In other words, the group makes a relative judgment of where it stands vis-à-vis
other similar groups with which it interacts within the set context. It builds the group’s
self characterization.

2. Modality of administration

The group is told that they are to select a symbolic gift for themselves. It can also be
done in an inter group situation. In that case, the group is also instructed to select a gift
for each of the other groups from a basket of gifts. There are four baskets. The first is
the choice of a Mascot. The second is the choice of Colours. The third is forms of Water
bodies and the fourth is the Elements. After the groups spend time and finalize their
respective choices, they are asked to share these with the community. The instructor puts
them up on the board for everyone to see. In a multi-group (n= no. of groups) situation,
an ‘n x n’ matrix is put up, in which the perceptions are recorded.

3. Analysis and Interpretation

There are two stages of analysis. In the first, we look at the group’s gifts to itself and
interpret how it looks at itself. At the next stage, we look at how the other groups look at
each of the groups within the organization.

The second stage could be meaningfully interpreted by articulating the nature of

interactions in the organizational context of each group with the other groups. For
instance, an Operations team interacts with the Quality Assurance team in a manner
where the latter assumes expert power and inspects operations from the standpoint of
quality standards.

4. Conceptual Model

Following Prof Pulin Garg, we postulate two dimensions of Social Processes. The first is
the dimension of Internal dynamics. These arise within the players in the form of
evocations, whenever the player feels connected with the social space. At the same time,
the persons can suppress the emotions with considerations of social norms, respectability
and acceptability, among other things. So the dimension of emotions can be used as a
continuum from the end of Evocation to that of Inhibition.

The second dimension is that of external dynamics. It consists of Communication and

Behaviour, which is manifest and external. At one extreme, it takes the form of paying
all attention and consideration to the Others in the space, which we call as Relatedness.
At the other extreme, it is concerned with stating one’s own position, perceptions, needs
and demands. This end we call as Expression.

The social space is constructed by the players operating from their choices and
preferences of locations in the field of Internal and External dynamics. The model
presupposes the need to integrate in own unique ways the forces representing Internal and
External dynamics.

Diagram 1

HOPE EVOCATION RESOURCE

SPIRIT ACCEPTANCE
ASSERT Lion Red Cow Green NURTURE
CONCEIVE PRODUCE
Ocean Fire River Earth

EXPRESSION RELATEDNESS

Deer Black Dog Blue

CONTRIVE CONTAIN
SUBMIT Glacier Water Lake Air ATTACH
NORM WITHOLD
APATHY RETAIN
INHIBITION

The interpretations can be used in many different ways. A suggested way is to look at
organizational processes and then look for the social spaces created by them as well as
underpinning them. The capacity to feel into Business Operations from the dimensions
of Social dynamics is indeed rare and valuable. The tool can help in its cultivation.

[ The first experimental use of this tool was made by Ashutosh P Bhupatkar and
Nayana Prabhu at a middle managers’ programme in July 2005. The tool is an
original combination of several exercises associated with the process work tradition.]

CASH PRAN

SNAC CRAW
 Evocation

Expression Relatedness

Inhibition