Mechanisms_Process-Sustainable Behaviour Research Group
Mechanisms & Processes of Shared Values Crystallization

We have studied the underlying mechanisms and processes of the WeValue InSitu shared values crystallization at different levels. The Core Concept is that ‘communities of practice’, i.e. groups of people with a ‘practice’ in common - have shared values embodied in the actions they do together. Much is usually tacit, but members can collectively explore, and intersubjectively clarify. With skill and experience, a WeValue Facilitator can lay a path for the group to produce explicit statements of what is ‘important’ to them. (In our training program we find it usually takes at least 12-15 workshops of experiential training for a Facilitator to earn the basic Certified Level 4 required to run a simple workshop in one genre.)


The process can be described from plural viewpoints and paradigms (see also Disciplines Tab).


The original work was experientially co-developed with civil society members at the ‘Design of Activities’ level typical of participatory design. It was revised after many cycles of iteration in the field until the co-researchers began to conceptualize ways of delivering the process successfully.


After much study, it was eventually conceptualized at deeper and deeper levels, shown schematically in the figure below. Most of which have at least 1-2 papers now written up:


Design level: activities

Shared Tacit space conceptualization

Meaning-making processes

Micro-processes of (Polanyi’s) Personal Knowledge Theory



In addition, the processes have links with processes in the SECI cycle stages of Nonaka’s Knowledge Creation Theory, which we have started to examine but which still deserve much more investigation.


Please note:

SOME TABS ON THIS PAGE ARE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION