Seeking the Institutional Balance of Power: Avoiding the Power of a Balanced View

Abstract

In this article we distinguish the views of insiders and outsiders and develop propositions suggesting how interactions between them may evolve. Two case studies illustrate how these ideas may manifest themselves in practice. By focusing on gaining control of the balance of institutional power instead of exploring alternative perspectives on controversial issues, we continue to create gaps between what insiders do and what outsiders actually want. Resolution of controversial issues requires that insiders and outsiders reorient themselves away from a self-centered, competitive approach in favor of a more cooperative approach in which the shared objective is an understanding of the issues and better solutions for all concerned.