WORKSHOP PRESENTATION INFORMATION Building the Kingdom Bahá'í National Conference June 28-July 1, 2001, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1. Presenter Name: Glenn Booman Title of Workshop: Using Consultation in Systematic Decision-Making Category of Workshop (as listed in the Conference program): Building Strong Communities 2. Contact information: E-mail: gbooman@home.com Phone: (801)-364-4516 3. Summary A comprehensive process flow/relationship model of Bahá'í consultation consisting of ethical (right/wrong), procedural (sequence of steps), and directional (goals) components is outlined in graphical form. Individual, group, and societal change can be viewed as occurring through a series of decisions, each of varying importance and consequence. In this view, a step in life transformation results from each decision/learning process initiated by will and motivation and driven by an increasing reservoir of love/unity combined with knowledge/wisdom. 4. Abstract and Outline of Topics Covered Using Consultation in Systematic Decision-Making By G. Booman Abstract Cooperation, unity, and consensus building are basic to three fundamental functions of humankind—making decisions, learning or education, and resolving conflicts. The common structure is illustrated by means of flow diagrams. Central to these processes is a non-adversarial, consultative method, which serves the best interests of all members of society without compromise. This consultative method is explained in terms of three components: a procedural model, a universal ethic model, and a desired future state model. Seven steps in formal consultation are given with checklists of fundamental principles and desirable attributes, reflecting widely accepted values as set forth in the world's major religions and in many human rights statements. The application of computers is considered as a means to directly assist the flow of consultative processes and to provide a training aid in which the current feelings of each participant are made known simultaneously. Copyright Notice The paper, "Consultation – An Outline of a New Process for Good Decision Making," by Glenn Booman accompanied with a html slide presentation titled, "Using Consultation for Systematic Decision Making," is made available with kind permission by Dr. Glenn Booman and Landegg International University. This paper, with the html presentation, is copyrighted by the online Journal, Converging Realities, for release in an upcoming issue. This paper and slide presentation may be downloaded and printed for personal use by individuals and study groups. It may not be copied for wider distribution without consent. To request such permission, please e-mail Landegg International University at info@landegg.edu. Converging Realities, A Journal of Art, Science, and Religion is a registered trademark of Landegg International University. Outline of Topics Covered 1. Systematization – How do we avoid chaos? Being effective, orderly. Systematic, rational procedures. Message from the Universal House of Justice noting, 'the value of process'; 'the necessity of planning'; 'the virtue of systematic action'; 'coherence of understanding'; and 'well-ordered training.' 2. Transformation – Decisions and change. How do we change? We can consider the overall changes in the life of an individual, a group or a society as composed of a series of decisions, each of varying importance and consequence. In this view, life is seen as changing from an initial state ('A') to a new state ('B') resulting from each decision/learning process, initiated by will and motivation. 3. Consultation – An outline from the viewpoint of transformation and based on unity in diversity. A three- component framework: Ethical, Directional, and Procedural. How do these work together? 4. Graphical – Development of a Process Flow Model with identification of 19 components. A study outline in graphic form (see Figure on other side). How do we show sequences and relationships for 19 components? 5. Ethical – The ethical component of consultation. A universal code of ethics. What is right and wrong, good and bad? How do we achieve balance among attributes and values that are all desirable – for example, justice and compassion? 6. Directional – The directional component of consultation. Where do we want to go? A Universal Desired-Future Model. A directional model, comprising a pattern, a clear vision of a united future world with both near-term and long-term goals. Our future; goals for individuals and a world society. 7. Procedural – The procedural component of consultation. How best to attain goals? An outline of seven sequential steps: creating warmth; finding facts; defining relevant principles; listening/presenting; pooling/merging ideas; choosing the best option; implementing and evaluating. 8. Interaction – Modes of Interaction. How do we best communicate in consultation? Effective sharing. Computer assisted consultation. The virtual computer. 9. Structural – Six principles are evident from the structure of consultation. Principle 1: Our life path and spiritual growth are dependent on individual and group decisions. Principle 2: Positive changes in us as individuals and in groups can occur through our will and our motivation to change. Principle 3: Successful consultation requires three components: a universal ethic, a rational procedure, and a clear vision of both near-term and long-term goals. Principle 4: Cooperation, unity, and consensus building are basic to three fundamental functions of humankind: making decisions, learning or education, and in resolving conflicts with justice. Principle 5: Universal values and attributes can be defined for human interaction at all levels of our world society. Principle 6: The interests of all members of society are best served in a non-adversarial, consultative process where decisions are made without compromise. Figure 9. A Process Flow/ Relationship Model for Decision Driven Transformation. Key to numbers in Figure 9. The two external elements affecting State of Being 'A' may be considered as human relationships (1) and physical world relationships (physical environment) (2). The two elements (3, 4) each representing consciousness, mind, spirit and soul allow separate representation of ethical (10) and desired future state (8) connections. Love (5), will (6) and knowledge (7) initiate and support the consultative process. The three consultative components are shown as directional (8), procedural (9) and ethical (10). The directional component (8) consists of goals and a defined future state. The two external elements affecting the Consultation module may be considered as the resource of experts (11) and the resource of recorded knowledge (12). The three types of closure are action (13), acceptance (14), and understanding (15). Evaluation is symmetrical in comparing results with desired goals or desired future (16) and with desired behavior or conduct (17). Increase in love (18) builds unity. Increase in knowledge (19) builds wisdom. The process is recursive as the transformed state 'B' becomes the new State 'A,' repeating (20) until the transition to the next phase of existence.