The Concept of Domain in Developmental Analyses of Hierarchical Complexity

Abstract

Individuals do not operate “at a stage of development.” They operate at a range of different levels of hierarchical complexity depending on skill area, task, context, degree of support, and other variables. It is thus necessary to postulate the concept of domain to refer to the particular conceptual, behavioral, or affective area within which activity operates. The concept raises questions and implications for theory building and application. Such issues are elaborated by discussing a variety of domains and social contexts. A postformal case example of leadership in higher education illuminates the concept of domains and the interrelationships among domains.