Paradigm Shift: How Do We Justify Moving from Industrial to Technology Focus?

Hi,

Can anyone please help me with this topic: Paradigm Shift - From Industrial Shift to Technology Shift? How do you justify this?

Regards,
Anchal.

Hi Deepali,

I have prepared a presentation on this topic, but I am struggling to come up with a strong start. Could you please help me?

Thank you.

No, that's okay. Tell me what's the INDUSTRIAL SHIFT TO TECHNICAL SHIFT, I mean to say in what regards.

Dips

Hi Anchal,

As far as my knowledge goes, a paradigm shift is used in reference to lateral thinking. It means not becoming rigid on various issues and finding solutions to them in a particular way but looking for alternatives beyond the normal rules of solving a particular issue.

Correct me if I am wrong.

PC.

Need to speak about the changes that are taking place in today's industry. I mean from industrial focus we are moving towards a very technologized world. How are these changes affecting our life? How has it influenced our mindset? Why is this change said to be good? How is this shift to an informational world affecting our relationships, our profession, our scope of professionalism, our communication, etc.

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Yes, you are right. But how is this shift from an industrial focus to an informational or technological focus a paradigm shift? I mean to ask, how is this so very different.

AA.

Hi all,

Allow me to share my thoughts on this. In the training I conduct with managers at one of the major global operators of ports around the world, we closely examine the issue of paradigms.

A paradigm is defined in many ways, for example (source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/paradigm):

1. One that serves as a pattern or model.
2. A set or list of all the inflectional forms of a word or one of its grammatical categories: the paradigm of an irregular verb.
3. A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.

I believe we are interested in the third definition.

Here is an example: the inventor of the container shipping business—that is, putting cargo into standardized containers for easy shipment around the world—was not a ship person; he was a trucker. The paradigm at the time for ships was general cargo—everything loose and individually packed into the holds of ships.

Another example: plate tectonics is a theory and science relating to the notion that the surface of the earth is comprised of a number of plates that move relative to each other. Where these plates meet are areas of earthquake and volcanic activity. This is now widely accepted as the standard theory regarding the earth's structure. This theory was developed by a German, Alfred L. Wegener, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was dismissed by geologists of the day. Why? Because it did not fit with their strongly held assumptions, concepts, and values (THEIR PARADIGM) and also because Wegener was not 'one of them'—a geologist—he was actually a meteorologist and astronomer!

So, is a shift from an industrial focus to an informational focus or technological focus a paradigm shift? Well, in each of these different focuses, there will be values, assumptions, and concepts specific to each focus, some of which will exclude or be in direct conflict with assumptions, values, and concepts held in the other focuses. To move from one focus to the other requires a change in assumptions, values, and concepts, including embracing some of those assumptions, values, and concepts that you have been in conflict with.

This is why it is a paradigm shift and also why it is so difficult for established practitioners to change, to make that paradigm shift. It also explains why truly new ideas come from outsiders and why they need such courage to persevere and make their ideas become real.

Look for works by Thomas Kuhn and Joel Barker.

Regards,

Martin

Hello Martin,

I need to intervene with your given good example. What is the difference? Automation of doing things is the key that brought a paradigm shift. Earlier, to do a particular job, we needed a group of manpower to operate the things. Now, the same can be controlled electronically, electrically, and mechanically by controllers. This shift brought a change in the way things were carried out, shifting the industrial focus from operational to informational or technological. This change also impacted values, structure, and conception.

Regards,
umalme

Hi Anchal,

Does this explain Paradigm shift to some extent?

Quote:

Change Your Point of View

Imagine you're in London's Heathrow Airport. While you're waiting for your flight, you notice a kiosk selling biscuits. You buy a box, put them in your traveling bag and then you patiently search for an available seat so you can sit down and enjoy your biscuits. Finally you find a seat next to a gentleman. You reach down into your traveling bag and pull out your box of biscuits.

As you do so, you notice that the gentleman starts watching you intensely. He stares as you open the box and his eyes follow your hand as you pick up the biscuits and bring it to your mouth. Just then he reaches over and takes one of your biscuits from the box, and eats it! You're more than a little surprised at this. Actually, you're at a loss for words. Not only does he take one biscuit, but he alternates with you. For every one biscuit you take, he takes one.

Now, what's your immediate impression of this guy? Crazy? Greedy? He's got some nerve?! Can you imagine the words you might use to describe this man to your associates back at the office? Meanwhile, you both continue eating the biscuits until there's just one left. To your surprise, the man reaches over and takes it. But then he does something unexpected. He breaks it in half, and gives half to you. After he's finished with his half he gets up, and without a word, he leaves. You think to yourself, "Did this really happen?"

You're left sitting there dumbfounded and still hungry. So you go back to the kiosk and buy another box of biscuits. You then return to your seat and begin opening your new box of biscuits when you glance down into your traveling bag. Sitting there in your bag is your original box of biscuits -- still unopened.

Only then do you realize that when you reached down earlier, you had reached into the other man's bag, and grabbed his box of biscuits by mistake. Now what do you think of the man?

Generous? Tolerant?

You've just experienced a profound paradigm shift. You're seeing things from a new point of view. Is it time to change your point of view? Now, think of this story as it relates to your life. Seeing things from a new point of view can be very enlightening. Think outside the box. Don't settle for the status quo. Be open to suggestions. Things may not be what they seem.

Your views please.

Thanks,

Bala

Hello Anchal, Bala, and others,

A paradigm shift is, by definition, a 'change in point of view' and can also be understood through this example. For a child, a flying aeroplane is a miracle and an amazing thing, while for an air traveler, it is a hectic, somewhat risky, and heart-pumping butterfly journey. However, for a pilot, having control in hand is an entirely routine and dutiful experience. These individuals have their own perspectives to see the same thing or event but have different paradigms.

Another example can be seen in human aging. Suppose a young child's normal physical development is obstructed by stopping some hormone building. As he or she grows, he passes through all his life experiences yet remains in the age of adolescence or wanting the same. He is having the same paradigm, yet an age paradigm shift takes place as he ages.

Regards,
umalme

"My aunty is the mother of my cousin, the wife of my uncle, and the sister-in-law of my father."

Dear All,

A paradigm shift means you have to view things/problems from the perspective of an eagle's eye. Consider how an eagle effortlessly picks up a hen even when the hen's mother is alert. Before taking action, the eagle strategically plans its approach. It starts by observing from a height and then decides on the best way to snatch the hen. Similarly, when faced with a problem, we should analyze it from an external viewpoint and determine the most effective action plan among the available options.

I hope this helps clarify the concept of a paradigm shift. Let me know if you have any questions or need further explanation.

Best regards