Early in the history of the cognitive revolution and aligned with the field of cybernetics (feedback theory), three prominent researchers and scholars from different disciplines came together to formulate a model for the description of human planning and behavior. George Miller, Eugene Galanter and Karl Pribram (1960) prepared a book called Plans and the Structure of Behavior that described the dynamic way in which we are guided by a reiterative process of acting, testing, modifying and reengaging our behavior. They presented a T.O.T.E. (test-operate-test-exit) process that is repeatedly engaged as we navigate our world. As is the case with T.O.T.E, Polystasis blends the concept of statics (stabilizing structures) with the concept of dynamics (adaptive processes). Operating in human systems, we are guided by certain core outcomes that do not readily change (statics); however, we must also be open to modifying these guiding outcomes as conditions in our environment change. As Sterling has proposed, the static notion of homeostasis is not appropriate—especially in our VUCA-Plus environment.
The Polystasis model incorporates three processes. First, there is Appraisal. As Peter Sterling has noted, there is an ongoing need to monitor the environment in which we are operating to determine if a new baseline of functioning (outcomes) is required. We informally or formally predict the probability that our current desired baseline of functioning can be achieved or even if it is desirable. As Miller, Galanter and Pribram suggest, we Test out (appraise) the current stasis.
Second, we Adjust if the current baseline of desired functioning is no longer appropriate. As Sterling proposes we identify a new level of functioning. An alternative (“allo”) stasis is identified based on predictions regarding probability of being successful in achieving this baseline (stasis). Miller, Galanter and Pribram propose that we are Operating (Adjusting) when we establish a new stasis.
Third, we Act on behalf of the new baseline of desired functioning. In keeping with Miller, Galanter and Pribram, we then again Test (appraise) to see if the new level is still appropriate given ongoing changes in our environment and our experience of acting on behalf of the new stasis. T.O. T. E. and dynamics feedback systems are alive and well in the world of Polystasis. Under a model of homeostasis, daily adjustments are made by what I would identify as first-order change (Argyris, 2001). They require first-order learning which is usually based on habitual ways of thinking.
Such a model of stasis might effectively operate in a highly stable world. However, our world might actually be operating in a rugged and perhaps even moving (dancing) landscape that looks nothing like a flat, stable plain (Miller and Page, 2007). There is no return to a previous state. Rather as Sterling proposes, adjustments are made based on what we predict will be the next setting of this dancing environment. These adjustments are made in accordance with Essential matters. They require shifts in the interpretation of environmental meaning and anticipation of environmental challenges. These shifts, in turn, require second-order learning and second-order change (Argyris, 2001).
All of this may seem very mechanistic and abstract (a critique offered of Miller, Galanter and Pribram’s T.O.T.E. model). However, Polystasis comes alive when we recognize that this recursive process moves quickly. It is often not amenable to the slow thinking described by Daniel Kahneman (Kahneman, 2011) nor to the reflective practice of Don Schön (1983). Polystasis also comes alive when we apply it to real life situations. For example, my blood pressure might not return to “normal” if I am anticipating other lions (real or imagined) (Sapolsky, 2004). A new “normal” is quite fluid–for I continue to appraisal, adjust and act (moving through the hostile environment of the Savannah). Polystatic processes are Essential to my survival in this anxiety-ridden environment. T.O.T.E. based dynamic feedback is alive and well in this hostile environment. I am also alive and well—thanks to polystatic processes.
