Unity and Diversity

Polarity
Dynamics

Unity – Diversity

Synopsis
The formation of groups and communities is presently based on what its members hold in common. When differences start to emerge, this can create a crisis which often marks the beginning of the end of the group. If there is no clear understanding of how to deal with the differences that will inevitably emerge, the result is often dysfunction and eventual dissolution. Xenn Polarity provides a new and comprehensive cognitive framework that offers a solid foundation for the formation of groups by discerning and managing differences, and expanding the concept of common ground. As such it enables and supports the presence of both unity and diversity in a group.

Anyone who has worked with groups or communities can tell you how critical is the issue of unity and diversity. Unity provides a sense of safety, support, comfort and security. Diversity offers challenge, expression, freedom, growth. It is plain to see we need both. Unfortunately with our present cognitive structure, these are often in conflict. As soon as the excitement of the start of a group settles down, people will want to find a place for the expression of their individuality, and if this goes counter to the nature of the group or community, tensions will rise. Almost invariably, it eventually comes to a choice between one and the other, that is, between unity and diversity, or between security and freedom. And whichever is chosen leads to the eventual dissolution of the group; the choice taken merely decides how that end will come.

Polarity Dynamics approaches this from a totally new angle. First it considers the two aspects of unity and diversity from an experiential perspective, i.e. common ground and differences. The discoveries it makes I have put under the rubric of "different differences" and "uncommon common ground" (UCG). From there it becomes possible to find a workable resolution of the two.

Feedback or comments welcome.
Dirk Kelder
May 30, 2010.