Organizational Development: A Manual for Managers and ... - FPDL

This dynamic response of the structure to the deviation of parameters out of equilibrium is called
homeostasis. The term derives from medical science, where it refers to the body’s ability to
regulate itself. In relation to social behaviour, Russ Marion provides some useful definitions:
• Social homeostasis refers to behaviour that drifts over a range of parameters, but the
system is dynamically stable.
• Homeostasis maintains a certain set of variables within specific value ranges required for
survival and reproduction of the systems it represents.
• The range of parameters over which homeostasis moves is sufficiently large to avoid
frequent dramatic change, but sufficiently small to permit the system to find a bifurcation
wall if needed. (R.Marion, 1999).
Thus we can see that within an existence space there should be an area in which the mechanism
of homeostatic regulation, which is installed in the structure, is able to maintain balance and does
not allow deviation to go too far or approach the edge. Within this area, an organism need not do
anything – it will balance in a state of dynamic equilibrium and keep all processes within the
optimum range. This area we’ve called a zone of comfort. The size and shape of this zone
depends on the structure - since homeostatic regulation is performed by a structure. For example,
humans sweat from heat or tremble with cold as a natural body and need not consciously consider
doing something at that time, unless it gets too warm or too cold. Then the state of comfort is
superseded by a state of discomfort, which fills all the remaining area in the existence space.
Zone of
comfort
Zone of discomfort
Picture 2. Zones of comfort and discomfort
A zone of discomfort is an arena for all modes of behavioural response (excluding a homeostatic
one). Discomfort means that at least one of the parameters (or a combination of parameters)
departed from the zone of comfort and was steady and strong enough not to be eliminated by
homeostatic regulation. The organism needs to do something to return to the comfort zone. A
special behavioural response is necessary.
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