The Environmental Types
Building on the four
dimensions,
eight environmental types have been formulated to be consistent with
Jungian theory and to reflect fundamental differences in the functioning
of environmental egos.
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Introverted Sensing Type
For the Introverted Sensing
(IS) type, a single element can become the major focus of the
environment. To insure the integrity or well being of this element,
an IS environment can become quite specialized, as only by limiting
the breadth of concern can the element receive maximum attention.
Because of increased concentration on the element, IS environments
often demand that people internalize and know many facts about
it.
The
numinous element in the IS environment is often viewed as
lacking in some manner. Therefore,
a "workshop" atmosphere evolves to keep the focus on fixing
or restoring the element to it true nature. As such, an IS environment
may rely on a detailed set of methodologies and/or tools-of-the-trade
by which an element is allowed to be treated: the "craft".
Repair and restoration processes,
as well as learning the IS environment's craft, can become elements
requiring similar IS maintenance. Inefficiency and inaccuracy
detract from the element and must be minimized. A simple, but
often firm, judging reality may be found in the environment
so that any problems that arise can be solved efficiently. If
the element is complex or valuable, the presses for methodological
perfection and/or specialized tools and training are even stronger. |
Introverted Intuitive Type
The
Introverted Intuitive (IN) environment may be described as
unearthly or supernatural. Because
of the hidden relationships among them, elements seem to have
properties that depart from the physical and practical life
of sensation. A world of symbols and archetypes, things are
not what they seem in the IN environment. "Magic" is commonplace
and no judging reality can make complete sense of it.
The
associations in an IN environment are not easily revealed
or understood. These IN connections
between seemingly unrelated elements are often shrouded in
mystery and debate. As individuals personalize their experience
of them,
they may feel as if they are on a "journey of discovery" to
reveal these hidden connections. Because they may appear mystical,
IN environments also elicit a certain amount of awe and respect,
if not fear and anxiety.
The numinous qualities of intuitions
in the IN environment rely on their uncommon ties to a common
background (the collective unconscious). If people try to perceive
them directly, they cannot. A mistake is to assume that some
IN intuitions should appear in the external world (extraversion)
or be made more real in some way (judgment). Often, nothing
is gained and much is lost when knowledge about an association
is evaluated and externalized. |
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Introverted Feeling Type
Introverted Feeling (IF) reality
exists as a system of unalterable values about our basic connections
to elements, especially people. Occasionally, the focus may
be on a single belief or value, which can acquire a numinous
quality, and individuals are asked to have faith in its immutable
validity. Often IF values are accepted as givens and are so
ingrained as to be dogmatic. When deliberate expression is given
(in ceremonies and rituals), these values and beliefs can acquire
sacred and religious qualities.
The IF environment values people
as people: members of the family of humankind. The environment
assumes a deep appreciation for the life force but may not expect
many extraverted displays of it. Still, each individual must
personally determine how he/she will interact with the IF environment:
It always beckons if a person chooses to listen. In turn, the
IF environment tries to provide a supportive climate for the
expression of individual loyalties and values.
IF
reality can apply equally to the physical realm. Many elements
in the environment may
possess sentimental value, either personally or in a collective
sense. The "inherent worth" of an element is a key notion
in an IF environment. The daily interactions with valued
elements
(e.g., people, things, or ideas) may yield a sense of ecstasy
for individuals who are committed to IF reality. |
Introverted Thinking Type
The "unrevealed truth" that
manages the Introverted Thinking (IT) environment is like
an
ultimate equation that explains everything in the universe.
Because a singular solution can answer every question, understanding
even the smallest piece of the larger equation is revealing
of IT reality. The press on individuals may be toward systematic
exploration to uncover and/or understand the central truth.
This collective understanding may appear as a science.
People in this environment
must define that part of IT reality that they wish to understand
or use. As a consequence, the IT environment may contain prototypes
or models that reduce the problem to its primary components.
An individual learns that people, events, objects, and behaviors
are mere variables and constants to serve in the solving of
the equation. Anything (or anyone) that cannot be formulated
as a constant is usually eliminated, avoided, or tightly controlled.
To manage its inner workings,
different systems develop to help exert control over confounding
factors. Individuals may feel a constant questioning and examination
of everything and everybody. To establish order in the IT environment,
the elements may be minimized to reduce the chances of contamination.
Change could be slow, with many things frozen in time, especially
interpersonal relationships. |
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Extraverted Sensing Type
An
extraverted sensing (ES) environment is filled with elements
that energize the senses.
As the building blocks to the ES environment, these elements
generate an abundance of energy and compete for our perceptions.
This concrete energy is "pure and natural," although occasionally
can seem crude in its unrefined and unfiltered forms. It
can
be quite strong or intoxicating and definitely hard to ignore.
The ES environment may be brightly
lit, tastefully decorated, and/or crowded by a variety of people.
Of all the extraverted environmental types perhaps, the ES environment
pulls the strongest on the people in it. Everyone has to get
involved and experience what it has to offer. The ES environment
may have a pragmatic side, as many of its elements concern our
basic physical needs and may be essential to the existence of
individuals in it.
Generally, "what you see is
what you get" in an ES environment. Nonetheless, because judging
is not the primary press, the people in an ES environment may
not need to give attention to the time of day or to what others
will think. Instead, they are expected to "act natural." Pretense
and airs, themes and motifs, or ulterior motives are simply
ignored. |
Extraverted Intuitive Type
The Extraverted Intuitive (EN)
environment provides an arena for people to explore and create.
Elements in the EN environment become vehicles to meet intuitive
presses, and the ability to build information or patterns from
them is paramount. People may be expected to use multidisciplinary
approaches and to synthesize across several areas.
An important aspect of the
EN environment is the fact that intuitions can become elements
to new intuitions. That is, at the moment that an intuition
is formulated in the environment, it immediately becomes an
element. Ultimately, the intuitive process is what is important,
and everyone and everything are involved in it. To facilitate
the EN process, opportunities for spontaneous acts and enterprising
ventures are provided.
To
avoid confining the intuitive process, individuals in the
EN environment are usually not constrained
by time or space (a "loose" judging process). The environment
can also become crowded, not by elements necessarily, but by
the potential numbers of relationship among them. Consequently,
people may feel as if the "work is never done": Another intuition
is always waiting! |
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Extraverted Feeling Type
An
extraverted feeling (EF) environment's reality is based on
shared beliefs about how elements
(especially people) should be connected. Because it relies
on the membership to define its nature, each EF environment
is
as different as the people who populate it. EF reality is a "negotiated arrangement" among
individuals: Changing one person or one thing within the environment
can alter its entire complexion.
Through a concern for people
and pleasant interactions, the EF environment tries to maintain
an overt and harmonious network of interpersonal relationships.
A basic trust and warmth might be quite tangible. Members may
feel a true sense of attachment to the environment, regardless
of their personal characteristics. In a large group, coalitions
may be formed, however.
The only way to experience
an EF environment is to participate in it actively. Because
the connections that people make provide the judging structure
that they need to behave, a major task of the environment involves
developing rapport through participation and sharing. In other
words, group process - relating as members and improving interpersonal
attachments - is usually the most vital task in the EF environment. |
Extraverted Thinking Type
The reality in the Extraverted
Thinking (ET) environment is logical in its operation and pervasive
in its impact, and may be evidenced by an externalized and/or
centralized set of rules or policies. These standards serve
as a predictable and explicit method to assess and manage behaviors.
As the number of elements increases, the more objective and
standardized these rules can become.
As
such, an ET environment can acquire economic or businesslike
characteristics. Resources
are identifiable and manageable. Success is easy to see but
may be difficult to achieve. Many interactions could be described
as "win/lose" and competitive. People may be vital to the
environment but are treated as any other element that can
be managed.
The
ET system provides a standard by which individuals can judge
behaviors, their own and the
actions of others. Both winners and losers are known. Usually,
people who deviate or challenge the system are quickly identified
and corrected (unless, of course, they have acquired enough
resources to change the system). These "offenses" are usually
handled in an unbiased manner that is meant to assure equality
and justice. |
