Why Theories?
Make better decisions with deeper insights into the nature’s patterns.
Some History and Context
“Theory, you say? Theory often gets a bum rap among managers because it’s associated with the word ‘theoretical,’ which connotes ‘impractical.’ But it shouldn’t. A theory is a statement predicting which actions will lead to what results and why.”
“Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influences, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist.”
Wallace Donham: Theory of Business
“Unless we admit that rules of thumb, the limited experience of executives in each individual business, and the general sentiment of the street, are the sole possible guides for executive decisions of major importance, it is pertinent to inquire how the representative practices of business men generally may be made available as a broader foundation for such decisions, and how a proper theory of business is to be obtained. The theory of business, to meet the need, must develop to such a point that the executive, who will make the necessary effort, may learn effectively from the experiences of others in the past what to avoid and how to act under the conditions of present.”
— Excerpted from Wallace Donham’s “Essential Groundwork for a Broad Executive Theory” (1922)
The Ofmos Lens
Think of theories as shortcuts through analyzing situations and making better decisions. They describe patterns in nature, providing explanations of how certain things evolve over time. In other words, they are windows into the future that enable you to see, with a high probability, what’s next.
The Ofmos point of view is one of practicality, aiming to ensure that there are always real-world benefits to the adopters. Why should you go this way? The Ofmos lens to the business and economic world focuses on explaining natural phenomena through long-term systemic perspectives.
Effective and Efficient Navigation
Focus on Long-Term
Use human nature as the frame of reference for your understanding of the world, gaining visibility well beyond the horizon of a product or even industry.
Simple Explanations
Unify your perspective on different aspects of the business and economic environment, using the power of the highly-visual and integrated Ofmos view.
Actionable Insights
Keep the primary focus on the customer and acquire a tiered explanation of how the world works, from the individual to the economy and, further, to the firm.
Deep Dive
Needs and Value
The article “A Natural Theory of Needs and Value” describes the new view on human nature.
Business Success
The picture book “Spointra and the Secret of Business Success” details the new worldview in a fun way.
Beyond the Fun
The 49-page (draft) letter to the readers places the new theories inside the broader literature.
