What have you done for me lately?

[BigV]

Originally Posted by Pie

But aren't all members of an organization responsible for the actions of that organization?

While that sounds reasonable, you know in your heart that it is not practical when carried too far. Realistically speaking, the larger an organization is, the more likely there will be a disconnect between the actions of an individual and the actions of the organization. I believe that individuals are responsible for their own actions. But as soon as the organization expands from one to two and beyond, my responsibility for the actions of other individuals in the organization diminishes somewhat. This separation is usually in proportion to my dedication to the organization, the size of the organization, and the importance of the issue at hand.

Originally Posted by Pie

In college, I read a book called "Exit, Voice and Loyalty" that had a few ideas that really stuck with me. If one fundamentally disagrees with the tenants of an organization, one has two options: exit or voice.

If I fundamentally disagree with the tenets of an organization, then how can I really belong? Does my possession of a membership card indicate belonging? What about my name on a roster? What if the organization changes or I change, am I still part the organization?

Pie, I want to explore your statement. Actually, it's not easy for me to agree or disagree with an organization. It is much more natural for me to agree or disagree with an idea, a statement, or for me to express support or approbation for an action. Organizations have ideas, make statements and take actions. if I focus my response on these things, I find I make better, more reliable decisions.

Let me illustrate. I believe in the idea of fairness. I think it's important, and worthy of my support. A different person may also believe as I do. You could say we agree with each other about the idea.

If this other person said "Fairness is important.", I would agree with his statement. This is a stronger sense of agreement, since a statement is a more concrete, tangible expression than an idea.

If this other person demonstrated fairness, I would again approve, and this is the highest expression, the most real manifestation of fairness. Because an idea may be true or beautiful, but by itself, it is inert. Statements reveal more about ideas, but statements can be lies. Actions are the least ambiguous of the three and therefore the firmest foundation upon which to base my decisions.

I have another question. Do you imply that one may either exit an organization *OR* voice dissent? What if I wish to change an organization? Must I leave? What if the changes I seek are best pursued from within the organization? What if it's an organization from which I cannot easily leave? My family? My gender? My history? It is by association with others that makes an organization. And what I think and say and do today reflects on all the organizations of which I am a member. But I am responsible for those thoughts, words and actions, not my fellow members.

I don't see your choices as comprehensive or mutually exclusive.

Originally Posted by Pie

"Loyalty" in this context is the triumph of complacency over ethos.

Pie, by "Loyalty", do you mean placing greater emphasis on status quo than on principles? What if I agree with most of what an organization stands for, but not a small part? What if I am neutral about some ideas?

Mutliple the detailed decision making process outlined above by the manifold instances for which it would occur in a large organization, like The Boy Scouts of America, in just one day. Or over a career. It is necessary, not complacent, to remain engaged, critical, and open to ensure that the arc of an organization matches the trajectory of one's ethos. It is my individual responsibility to associate with and respresent the many organizations I am a part of. As long as I am paying attention, I'll do that well, and there'll be a fair match. But I believe perfect fidelity is as unimportant as it is impossible. I'd rather we all be paying attention in the present, and see what happens.