Personality Types

Our research does not attempt to define causes of behavior, other than to speculate on motivation in a general sense. Classification of Personality Types has had a long history. Meyers and Briggs are perhaps the most well known authors of a classification tool widely used during the past 35 years, especially in business.

We use the terms alpha (typically a leader) and aggressive (as compared to assertive) together to identify a person who exerts influence in a domineering way. This does not imply the individual is aggressive.

For some reading on personality types consider

Psychosynthesis Typology

Meyers and Briggs

 Bully Behavior

Our  study does not attempt to define behavior rather observations are correlated and generalized.  The term bully was chosen as it most closely represents the types of behaviors being studied. There are many excellent references on line defining bully behavior.

Here is one with a work place focus that we found useful.

Bully Behavior traits and characteristics

 DIsturbing the Group Dynamic?

Last year, as part of our research, we disturbed the group dynamic at some established online communities by having our own opinions. We demonstrated our credibility through our art, interactions, text narratives, and participation in community discussion groups. This is similar to techniques used in startup companies to change the hierarchy and protocol associated with communication as the company matures and grows. Often times, this means either someone leaves or someone is demoted or is given less responsibility. It is also true that responsibility and power are likely to be redistributed. As a consequence of change, certain opinions are likely to result in greater opposition, especially when associated with the currency of the group. In online art communities, the currency is typically the rating or review system.  It is interesting that some members of communities, whether startup companies or schools, take the changing group dynamic personally and consider it their responsibility to either undo or destroy the change agent.

The group dynamic once disturbed attempts to return to its original state however, that may not be possible depending upon the reason for the disturbance. A new classmate will likely permanently change the group dynamic. Click here for more information.