Mindscape Theory Research Articles

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When Mothers Become Animals: Transformed Mothers in Two Scandinavian Picturebooks for Children
 This article examines the animal nature of the mother figures in the two Scandinavian picturebooks Pija Lindenbaum’s När Åkes mamma glömde bort (When Owen’s Mom Breathed Fire, 2005) and Kari Saanum and Gry Moursund’s Pinnsvinmamma (Hedgehog Mom, 2006). The main aim is to study how the mother's role is portrayed in the two picturebooks when she is transformed into an animal, and the functions of animal transformations. The article shows that the two mothers’ transformations can be understood as journeys in the child characters’ playful mind, where the mentally unavailable mothers are situated in the “magical circle” of play. When being transformed, the mother figures lose their original body and mothering abilities, and the power balance between mother and child changes. Finally, we discuss whether the two picturebooks represent a traditional view of the mother figure as safe and reconciling, or whether they challenge the limits of normative motherhood. The theoretical framework includes picturebook theory, transformation theory and mindscape theory.

Toward epistemological identification of the four major mindscapes

PurposeJapanese American philosopher Magoroh Maruyama (1969) proposed the Mindscape theory, a macro model of cultural differences identification. The theory suggests inter-and intra-cultural heterogeneity and four major Mindscapes of H, I, S and G. He and his colleagues designed 64 graphic geometric patterns based on redundant and non-redundant complexity to recognize the Mindscapes in cultures. However, there is no method of identifying each Mindscape individually/separately. In other words, specificity is missing in this theory. Without such identification, the applicability of the Mindscape theory in international business is limited. This study aims to provide the needed specificity.Design/methodology/approachThe present study applies Harvey’s (1966) four epistemological systems to identify each of the four Mindscapes. According to Maruyama and Harvey, three of Harvey’s four systems are identical to the three Mindscapes of H, I and G. If the authors can match the three Mindscapes with the three Harvey’s systems, what remains the authors assume to be the fourth Mindscape.FindingsThe current study determined various graphic and geometric patterns associated with each of the four Mindscapes. In doing so, the study expanded the applicability of the theory in international business.Research limitations/implicationsHarvey (1966) administered nine psychological tests (instruments) to many subjects over nearly two decades to determine the four systems. Using nine major instruments is very challenging, demanding and time-consuming. For ease of application and saving time, the authors used one of these instruments as an example. Ideally, the authors should use all.Originality/valueMindscape theory suggests that each of the four salient Mindscapes is more relevant to a specific situation, such as human resource management, motivation, leadership, conflict resolution and others. By identifying each Mindscape, this study expands the use of Mindscape theory.

From Metacybernetics to Mindset Agency Theory

Metacybernetics is a general theory of higher order cybernetics that can be used to generate cybernetics theories. Such theories will necessarily adopt the axioms of metacybernetics, but can develop through the use of relevant configurations. The topic of the set of slides explains the exemplar of Mindset Agency Theory - a trait theory of personality psychology that has some connection with Maruyama's Mindscape Theory. Mindset Agency Theory has a pragmatic dimension, delivering a model able to diagnose personality pathologies. The slide summarise the results of an analytic diagnosis of two cases studies, one being of the of late president Trump. The set of slides provides a takeaway summary from the book entitled Configuration Approach to Mindset Agency Theory: A Formative Trait Psychology with Affect, Cognition and Behaviour.

The expanded view of individualism and collectivism: One, two, or four dimensions?

Recent research to analyze and discuss cultural differences has employed a combination of five major dimensions of individualism–collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, femininity–masculinity (gender role differentiation), and long-term orientation. Among these dimensions, individualism–collectivism has received the most attention. Chronologically, this cultural attribute has been regarded as one, then two, and more recently, four dimensions of horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism. However, research on this issue has not been conclusive and some have argued against this expansion. The current study attempts to explain and clarify this discussion by using a shortened version of the scale developed by Singelis et al. ((1995) Horizontal and vertical dimensions of individualism and collectivism: a theoretical and measurement refinement. Cross-Cultural Research 29(3): 240–275). Our analysis of aggregate data from 802 respondents from nine countries supports the expanded view. Data aggregation was based on the Mindscape Theory that proposes inter- and intracultural heterogeneity. This finding is reassuring to scholars who have been using the shortened version of the instrument because confirmatory factor analysis indicated its validity. The findings of the present study provides clarification of some apparent ambiguity in recent research in specifying some cultures such as India, Israel, and Spain as individualists or collectivists. By separating the four constructs, more nuanced classification is possible. Also, such a distinction enables us to entertain such concepts as the Mindscape Theory that proposes a unique intracultural and transcultural heterogeneity that do not stereotype the whole culture as either individualist or collectivist.

International marketing and intra-cultural heterogeneity

PurposeMost international marketing studies, taking a sociological position, assume homogeneity within and heterogeneity between cultures. Taking a psychological position and based on the Mindscape Theory, the purpose of this paper is to support the hypothesis that there is intra-cultural and intra-market heterogeneity.Design/methodology/approachThe translated survey for international use has many problems. These problems can greatly be minimized by the use of pictorial/geometric shapes that were used in this study. These shapes were constructed using redundant and non-redundant complexity, and made to be culture neutral.FindingsData analysis supported the presence of three of the four Mindscape types as was hypothesized, indicating individual intra-market heterogeneity in the three cultures under investigation. Additionally, the corollary hypothesis of transcultural heterogeneity was confirmed.Research limitations/implicationsIt has been proposed that Mindscape types are partly innate and partly learned. What proportions constitute each part? Can the learned aspect be unlearned? Can different marketing strategies appeal to each? What marketing programs are better suited to influence the learned aspect? Future studies could explore these issues.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper have wide applicability and implications for international marketing strategy, including ways of deploying market segmentation, target marketing, positioning strategies, as well as configurations of marketing mix elements.Originality/valueThis paper used a novel and unique way for data collection and analysis. A geometric-pictorial survey was used for data collection. Data analysis was done with factor analysis and cluster analysis combined.

Beauty Is in the Eye of Beholder: Intracultural and Transcultural Heterogeneity of Individuals

Most cross-cultural studies unintentionally give the impression that there is intracultural homogeneity. This research is among a few that suggests otherwise, that there is intracultural and transcultural individual heterogeneity in thinking and logic, or “Mindscape.” It is a replication and an expansion of the earlier study. It intends to verify the existence of intracultural heterogeneity in support of mindscape theory. In doing so, it employs a unique way of data collection and analysis. The analysis of data that were collected from six countries not only supports the earlier findings but also points to the existence of intracultural and transcultural heterogeneity of individuals.

Maruyama Mindscapes, Myers-Briggs Type Indicators and Cultural Agency Mindset Types

In this paper we introduce the concept of the normative personality bedded on ideas from psychology and social psychology develop, and explains how it can be effectively characterised. There are a variety of approaches that attempt to represent personality types, but few have any substantive theory, and even fewer adopt an epistemic basis. It is explained that one of the more powerful ways of identifying personality types is through Maruyama’s Mindscape theory, a little known but powerful epistemic approach that can anticipate an agency’s patterns of behaviour and demands. It is also a construct from which coherent sets of behavioural mind-sets can emerge, though its major drawback is its lack of generic transparency. From the principles of Mindscape theory, this paper then develops Mindset theory. This has generic transparency, extends personality types beyond the capacity of Mindscape theory, and is derived from a well-endowed empirical base. Mindset Theory is based on the Sagiv-Schwartz (2007) cultural values study from which 8 Mindset types are generated that individually or in combination can characterise personality and anticipate behaviour. Mindset theory is also superior to other personality the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory schema since it has a well-developed theory, is empistemically based, and establishes a means by which patterns of behaviour can be anticipated.

Personality, pathology and mindsets: part 1 – agency, personality and mindscapes

Purpose– This paper aims to develop a new socio-cognitive theory of the normative personality of a plural agency like, for instance, an organisation or a political system. This cybernetic agency theory is connected to Bandura's theory of psychosocial function. The agency is adaptive and has a normative personality that operates through three formative personality traits, the function of which is control. The cybernetic agency theory is presented as a meta-model, which comes from cybernetic “living systems” theory.Design/methodology/approach– First, in this paper, the authors discuss the virtues of a normative cybernetic agency model in the light of issues related to normal states and pathologies of systems. Formative traits could be derived from Maruyama's mindscape theory or Harvey's typology. However, Boje has noted that with four mindscape types Maruyama's typology is constrained. Consequently, he projected the Maruyama mindscapes into a space with the three Foucault-dimensions: knowledge, ethics and power.Findings– The suggested cybernetic agency model with the three formative personality traits can provide a framing for a structural model that has the potential to distinguish between normal and abnormal personalities in the same framework.Research limitations/implications– The constraints of the Maruyama mindscape space, as identified by Boje, are suggesting that further research is needed to identify a formative three-trait-system which is theory based, was empirically applied, and is permitting to create a typology with eight extreme types, yet to be identified.Originality/value– The paper draws on earlier work undertaken in the last few years by the same authors, who in a new way are pursuing new directions and extensions of that earlier research.

Personality, pathology and mindsets: part 2 – cultural traits and enantiomers

Purpose – Based on the cybernetic agency theory of part 1, the paper creates a parallel theory to Maruyama's Mindscape theory called mindset theory, relying on the three-trait organisational value system of Sagiv and Schwartz that arises from extensive theoretical and empirical work on cultural values originally undertaken by Shalom Schwartz. The derived normative personality types are embedded into a cultural system and interacting with a social system. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – First, the paper deals with Sorokin's theory of the immanent cultural dynamics arising from swings between more sensate or more ideational culture. For characterisation of interaction with the social environment, the paper relies on the dramatist/patterner trait from empirical work by Shotwell et al., which acts as an attractor of agency behaviour. Thus, the paper designs a five trait agency model, with one trait that serves as an attractor of agency behaviour, three formative normative personality traits, and one social trait that directs the how of behaviour. Findings – The Sagiv-Schwartz mindset types reveal the missing four types of the Maruyama-universe, as sought by Boje. Sagiv-Schwartz mindset types create generic transparency and a theoretical and empirical base for the selection of mindset meta-types. Through its perfect match with Mindset Agency Theory as developed in part 1, this research creates a structural model that has the potential to distinguish between normal and pathological personalities within the same framework. Research limitations/implications – The modelling approach can be applied to social, economic and political situations, with the likelihood of anticipating the likely behaviour of social collectives like durable organisation and/or nation states. Analytical and empirical application in different contexts is yet to be provided. Practical implications – The paper sets up a means by which patterns of behaviour can be analysed in different organisational or national contexts. Empirical analysis based on this theory has the potential to identify normal states and shifts away from normal states of social systems, which may shift into stages of tension and crises, and/or mobilise forces directed towards paradigm changes in social systems. Originality/value – The paper draws on earlier work undertaken in the last few years by the same authors, who in a new way are pursuing new directions and extensions of that earlier research.

An Introduction to Mindset Theory

The plural agency is a self-referential, self-regulating, self-organizing, adaptive, pro-active and culturally stable collective, having a normative personality belonging to a psychosocial framework of the collective mind. The agency can be characterized by Mindset types, a derivative of Maruyama’s Mindscape meta-theory -- a little known but powerful epistemic approach that can anticipate an agency’s patterns of behavior and demands. A Mindscape is a construct from which coherent sets of behavioral mind-sets can emerge. However, Mindscape theory lacks generative transparency, and the Mindset theory we develop changes this. Mindset Theory is based on the Sagiv-Schwartz (2007) cultural values study from which eight Mindset types are generated that individually or in combination can characterize personality and anticipate behavior.

An Introduction to Mindset Theory

This paper develops a socio-cognitive theory of the (normative or organisational) personality of a plural agency. To do this we first explore the principles of Maruyama’s meta-theory of mindscapes, and establish a directly related Mindset Theory that gives mindscape theory a broader modelling capacity with greater transparency, and both are superior to the more empirically derived approaches like Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI). A “mindscape” can be understood as a construct from which coherent sets of behavioural mind sets can emerge. A specific set of behaviours and demands would be typical for a social-cognitive system that is ruled by a single mindscape. However, pure mindscapes are extremes, and will likely be rarely observed to rule a single agency (any culturally anchored social). In any self-referential, self-regulating, self-organising and pro-active social system different modes of thought related to different mindscapes are prevalent. As highlighted by Bandura, such interaction between prevalent forces can be modelled with cybernetic approaches, and we create a typology to show the capacity of different cybernetic theories to model personality. The interaction referred to is also the driver for the internal dynamics of a system. Boje (2004) has shown that Maruyama-mindscapes are a constrained set of personality mind set types that can be assigned to a personality (or in the context of a social, a “normative personality”). Boje intuited that Maruyama's mindscapes could be explained through three Foucaultian trait dimensions: knowledge, ethics and power which could operate as a trait basis for mindscape modes. This approach has led him to the creation of a means by which mindscapes can be broadly related with Myers-Briggs Type Inventory cognitive types. The lack of empirical basis for Boje’s traits has led us to create an alternative trait basis that arises from the extensive empirical work on cultural values undertaken by Schwartz (1994). The result is the creation of what we call Sagiv-Schwartz (2007) Mindset Types. We then elaborate on this through the development of agency theory within which we discuss the role of cultural and social environments with respect to the internal and external dynamics of social systems. A culturally based socio-cognitive agency meta-model is then introduced that sits on “living systems” theory. The agency is adaptive, has a normative personality, and an epistemic state determined by its formative traits, the function of which is control. These traits can take bi-polar epistemic values called enantiomers that combine together to give 8 different possible cognitive types that define the personality type mind-set. The personality type is influenced by the culture that the agency is bound to. The traits can be used to explain the what, why and how of dynamic agency behaviour in complex situations. This research creates a generic model that has the potential to distinguish between normal and abnormal personalities in the same framework, something that appears to be missing from the literature, and for which there is a call.

Exploring the Common Roots of Culture, Politics and Economics (Slides Show)

Self-indulgent practices of financial institutions are at the roots of the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Governments wanted to maintain the economic status quo. Governments accrued immense public debt to support banks during the crisis on the apparently false assumption that the banks are in general well behaved and trustworthy. Two policy alternatives to deal with resulting recession: immediate debt servicing through austerity, or delayed servicing through investment for growth. Economic policy is arising from either Individualism or Collectivism; the current austerity policy is linked with individualism. Using cybernetic agency theory, we model the relationship between cultural, economic and political processes. A new meta-model results showing that cultural orientation is a driver for strategic economic agency orientation from which economic policy arises. Strategic Economic Agency theory exists through agency “normative personality”, and operates through traits from which political orientations develop: these permit the anticipation of economic policy. Individualism and Collectivismare polar positions which can be seen as a subset of the broader mindscape theory that can facilitate anticipation.

Exploring the Common Roots of Culture, Politics and Economics

The 2008 recession resulted from the failure of financial institutions including banks, due to their uncontrolled self-indulgent financial practices leading to a severe economic crisis. Policy options to resolve the recession that has resulted from the crisis included financial sector restructuring or bail-outs on the assumption that the banks are generally moral and trustworthy organisations. A bail-out policy required debt servicing which has led in the European Union to measures of austerity, damaging social fabrics and hurting the more vulnerable. An alternative policy in the US has been to borrow more to stimulate economic growth the result of which should be a servicing of the debt. The economic crisis was not predicted by any economic models. Prediction of the crisis by economic models failed. After the Lucas Critique which says that economic and political processes are both important to economic theory, political processes have tended to be been reflected in economic models. The policy options of austerity and investment can be associated respectively with the culturally based political modes of Individualism (methodological individualism) and Collectivism (collectivistic methodological institutionalism). The making of economic policy arising from either of these political modes is seen by some to be an inadequate basis for developing a sustainable economic society, implying the need for improved socio-economic modelling basis that reflects culture. A new culturally based economic meta-model is developed, where cultural orientation is a driver for a strategic economic agency and the formation of economic policy. The meta-model enables the modelling of the relationship between cultural, economic and political processes using cybernetic agency theory, and specific propositions can be introduced to generate specific models. The meta-model that arises can assist in the understanding of complex socio-economic processes. The meta-model adopts trait-based agency theory, the strategic economic agency that is constituted as an agency's normative personality from which political orientations and the anticipation of classes of decision making behaviour can develop. The paper shows that Individualism and Collectivism can be seen as a subset of the broader mindscape theory, reformulated here for the meta-model. In the end, this paper does three things. Firstly it argues that the recession is due to fundamental change in policy. Secondly it argues that current macroeconomic modelling is not up to the task of anticipating economic processes. Thirdly, it argues that the strategic orientations Individualism and Collectivism are based on broader epistemological principles which should be used to broaden studies beyond relatively straightforward empirical investigations.

UNDERSTANDING NORMATIVE PERSONALITY

Organization theory has not demonstrated that it is able to adequately represent organizational complexity, especially in its inability to recognize and predict organizational conduct/misconduct. A promising approach comes from organizational culture theory, which is used in order to create a new model for normative personality that is seated in the strategic part of the organization. This takes the idea of corporate personality beyond its more usual metaphorical use. The theory of normative personality is developed by using a cybernetic frame of reference, drawing on socio-cognitive and trait theory. As a compact way of connecting traits into the model, mindscape theory is adopted. The outcome of this approach illustrates the control processes through which an organization operates and will have the capacity of not only identifying patterns of behavior/operative conduct but also misconduct.

Migrating personality theories Part 2: towards a theory of the balanced personality?

PurposeSome personality schemas are seen to compete with others, but are they really complementary? The purpose of this paper is to show that two trait approaches, Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Mindscape theory, which are normally considered to be competitive, shall be migrated into a more complex modeling space using knowledge cybernetics, when they are shown to have a complementary potential.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the meta‐framework of knowledge cybernetics (KC) part of the relevantial universe identified by Maruyama, to migrate different theoretical approaches and relate them. A consequence is the possible development of a more sophisticated trait theory that is capable of providing more complex information about personality.FindingsThe findings indicate that current type theories are not necessarily stand‐alone, but may be seen as complementary within a broader conceptual framework.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to the investigation of MBTI. However, it offers a generic approach that can be applied to other solitary theories like MBTI.Practical implicationsThe paper leads to the possibility of improved explanatory power for a type theory than is currently possible.Originality/valueVery little comparative work has been done relating representations of MBTI and Mindscape theory. This also appears to be the first serious extensive direct comparison between any form of MBTI and Mindscapes. KC uses Habermas's three world theory and shows that it is possible to consider MBTI and Mindscape theory as conceptually distinct and complementary, and together contributing to a new way of exploring the field of personality theory.

Epistemological Sources of New Business Problems in the International Evironment

The business environment is becoming increasingly international, involving cultural and epistemological differences. Recent business problems require new ways of analysis. Mindscape theory is used in analyzing the American failure to increase export, agricultural policy failure in Japan, unsuccessful American attempts at creating Japanese-style general trading companies, many firms' tendency to reverse their management principles when operating in foreign countries, and new aspects of qualitative methodology.