This short presentation gives a practical example of a "real life" application of the integral framework and more in particular of the 4-quadrants model (the so-called AQAL Model)

1. Integral Framework
A practical example for
application
by
Dr. Bettina Geiken
Integral Project Design
bettina.geiken@gmail.com

2. Integral Framework
The following presentation is an expression of
my personal understanding of and experience
with the Integral framework, based on the
writings and books by Ken Wilber.
For more information on Integral framework
please see http://www.integralinstitute.org/

3. Integral Framework
The AQAL Model
Upper Left: Upper Right:
phenomenology, empiricism,
psychotherapy, scientific
meditation, analysis, quality
emotional control,
intelligence, behavioural
personal modification
transformation
Lower Left: Lower Right:
multiculturalism, systems theory,
postmodernism, social systems
worldviews, analysis, techno-
corporate
culture, economic modes,
collective values communication
networks,
Graphics from: http://coolmel.typepad.com/project_trinity/2003/11/wake_up_the_aqa.html
systems analysis
The map has five major aspects that are referred to as "quadrants, levels,
lines, states, and types." - This model displays only quadrants and levels

4. Possible Application of the
AQAL Model
• Analysis of situation (present, preferred)
• Extract transparent knowledge
• Discover key questions
• Project monitoring and evaluation
• Project management
• Extrapolate probability of success of
project/process
For more information
• www.integralinstitute.org, www.kenwilber.com

5. Why AQAL
• "Integral" means "inclusive, balanced, comprehensive, connected"
• Dedicated to the proposition that partial and piecemeal approaches to
complex problems are ineffective.
• It is not about right and wrong, but how to effectively combine partial
truths to get a more whole picture.
• Can be used on any question/situation/problem/vision - from
psychology to ecology, from business to politics, from medicine to
education etc
• Using this approach can tap into the intuition or sensing capacity of
the individual or team - (emotional intelligence - soft factors)
• Depending on how many viewpoints contribute, other connections and
realities emerge = process is more about creating than just analysing
what is.
• In project management can give clarity on own position/domain and
actual possibilities of intervention to change a situation

6. Practical Example - created from 2 viewpoints
Hindering and helpful factors for Innovation in the greenhouse sector
Individual
+ Many growers oversee the whole sector, + Technologies (Hardware, Software)
+ entreprenuership, + new heating systems,
+ willingness to see competitors as + new materials
colleagues for collaboration + new plant varieties
– Laws creating resistance + new processes
– Low trust in technology,
– creative ideas often blocked by previous
knowledge
Interior Exterior
+ Information travels fast
± Innovation focuses on things growers can + Cooperative approach of growers to
understand buying and selling
– Focus on more technology, more + Professional associations invest into
intensity, less on other factors research
(management, values, behaviors, etc) + Well organised sector - strong lobby
– Innovation takes place mainly in the group
currently acceptable + effective collaboration with Ministry
scientific/technological range
± laws for light emission, chemicals,
– Knowledge confined to specific sectors, employment
little awareness of this fact, few
« spillover » agents + Training courses for growers on new
technologies
– Lack of appropriate communication to a
given audience – Lack of experiental training
– Low ownership of innovative technology – Tender criteria focus on feasibility
by growers not on innovation
– Lack of openness to new solutions by – Research money often for
funding organisations/evaluation commercially non feasible projects.
committees
Collective

7. Conclusions
• There is no « right » way to build the matrix - Try
it yourself
• It is experiential - the more you use it, the easier it
becomes to see/sense the interconnections between
the quadrants and access transparent knowledge in
the individual or the group
• Making the matrix is only the first step, then make
decision in which way to use the results according
to your objectives and intentions.