University of Texas – AustinUniversity of Texas – Austinincludingincluding

Environmental Science InstituteEnvironmental Science InstituteIntellectual Entrepreneurship ProgramIntellectual Entrepreneurship Program

Center for Environmental ResearchCenter for Environmental Research

Dick & Pat RichardsonDick & Pat Richardson

Fundamental Change toFundamental Change to Managing Holistically Managing Holistically

Change has been slow and spotty,made by the leaders and independent thinkers.

What accelerates individual change, and transforms a group?

Research IResearch Illllustrationustration

The Evolution of NormsThe Evolution of NormsEhrlich & Levin. 2005. Pub. Lib. Sci.,

(Biology)How do adaptive changes spread and affect

populations when “resistance” to change varies?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The model:The model: Two options exist, but “resistance” to change from one feature to another feature differs with circumstances.

Long term resultLow change threshold

Long term resultIntermediate change threshold

Long term resultLocal imitation

Long term resultHigh change threshold

Paradigm changeor

Natural selection

EvolutionaEvolutionaryry

““Discovery” Discovery” Learning, Learning, espesp. from . from

peerspeers

LoweringLowering thethe resistanceresistance

EducationalEducational

Wide diversity,Wide diversity,““fine grained”fine grained”

Long term resultLow change threshold

Lowering the ThresholdLowering the Threshold• Positive peer pressure, group ID (imitation)

• Demonstration with personal satisfaction

• Force (acute trauma from defeat-subjugation, cultural change)

Discovery LearningDiscovery Learning•“Discover the ideas rather than instructed” (avoids “ego” paradigm paralysis)

• Builds confidence, easily modeled

• Enhances creative thinking, innovation

HM-GNH in PoliticsHM-GNH in Politics

• Bridge ideas: Economics && Happiness, Economics && Ecology

• Definition of measure: GNH, Holistic GNH, Holistic GoalGoal

• Power of Combination, Reinforcement:– IncentivesIncentives: Public appeal, immediate

response (policy, publicity, performance)– ResultsResults: Cross benefits with old views

(correlation of measures, education, evaluation) “You’re right, “You’re right, andand trytry thisthis…”…”Learning & knowing is Learning & knowing is discoverydiscovery,,

…a processprocess, not a product.

““Either all the earth is holy or none is, Either all the earth is holy or none is,

either every square foot deserves our either every square foot deserves our

respect respect

or none does.”or none does.”Wes JacksonWes Jackson Becoming Native to This PlaceBecoming Native to This Place(1996)(1996)

West Ranch, TexasWest Ranch, TexasSavory Center for Holistic ManagementSavory Center for Holistic Management

West Ranch, TexasWest Ranch, TexasSavory Center for Holistic ManagementSavory Center for Holistic Management