Michael Lissack
The Romans had a god for this type of reasoning. Janus was the god of beginnings and endings, the guardian of doorways. He had two faces, one that looked in and the other that looked out. Arthur Koestler took the idea of Janus and coined the word “holon.” This word concisely expresses the idea that everything (like atoms, cells, solar systems, cars, and people) is simultaneously a whole in and of itself and a part within larger systems. The holon is a central principle of general systems theory. It is the idea that life, and the universe, and everything in between structures itself in levels, subsystems comprising systems within supersystems. In today’s interconnected business ecosystems, this holonic perspec- tive has become more relevant than ever. Organizations simultaneously function as autonomous entities with their own identities and as compo- nents in larger networks, supply chains, and partner ecosystems. The most successful companies manage this duality consciously, adapting their role emphasis as circumstances require. We use the holon idea when we “go up a level” to a higher authority, broader scope, and more abstract view. We also use it when we “go down a level” to more detail, narrower scope, and more concrete views. It is useful to picture people’s multiple roles as holons, for example:
1. The self (Josh). 2. Members of groups (Josh and his classmates).
3. The groupings of groups - the company, the organization, the community, and so on (Josh, Lisa, Mark, and Harvey, who got dragged along to pick Josh up, lunch will just have to wait). Though a new word for most people, holon can stand for organiza- tions, small groups, and individuals. It is logical (if a bit strange) to say: “a team is a holon composed of individual holons that are part of a larger organizational holon.” An autonomous individual is transformed into a member of a team; then there is the transformation of individual members into the group as a whole; and finally comes the transformation of a group of individuals into a new level, an organization, or even a community.
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