THE NATURAL SYSTEMS INSTITUTE

THE STRUCTURE OF THE ENCOMPASSING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

The Duplex Pyramids

FORMAL ROLE STRUCTURE

5 Formal Role Structures

Sensitizing to Meaning of Roles

Roles and Power Relations

Progression in Stars and Stripes

Role Superstructure and Advancing Through Levels of Roles

Click hyperlinks above to go to respective lessons.

    This section presents the nature and use of formal roles in an  institution, the dynamics of interaction between formal roles, an example of the creation of a superstructure of formal roles, and the effects a formal role structure can have on the residents in an institution and the quality of life in the institution.  To go to one of the topics in the Table of Contents, click the related hyperlink above after Next Lesson>.

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORMAL ROLE STRUCTURES

1. Sensitizing Staff to the Meaning and Use of Roles in Institutions

2. Roles and Power Relations Between Staff and Residents

3. Role Superstructure and Advancing Through Levels of Roles in Stars and Stripes

4. Progression in Stars and Stripes

'Duplex Pyramids' below is the logo of the Natural Systems Institute.  The top inverted pyramid represents layers of  external structures and systems and the bottom pyramid represents layers of internal structures and systems.  The extension of the pyramid to the left represents degrees of distance into the past, while extension to the right represents degrees of projection into the future.  The underlying theoretical assumption is that effective, enduring change in humans and human social systems comes only when these multidimensional relationships of the external, internal, past and future perspectives are all addressed as change efforts are attempted.

  1. Stars and Stripes: A Correctional Program for a Juvenile Institution for Felons

  2. Levels of External and Internal Structures-Processes of Intentionality-and the Art of Restructuring Organizations

Young Family Home Page

Document created by Edwin L. Young, PhD between 6/1993 and when last edited on 04/20/2010
Email address below without the ^^  ^^ fore and aft at and at standing for the @
For questions or comments, email to: (new) eyoung27^^at^^austin.rr dot com