The Orgtology Glossary

In 2006 Derek Hendrikz created the eight base theories of orgtology. We often refer to these as the Core Theories of Orgtology. He also created Hypothesis 2x, which gives a premise on inverse duality. All eight theories are based on Hypothesis 2x. The two arms of orgtology, which are orgamatics and organamics each hold four theories. In orgamatics there is Theory 2I of orgtelligence, Theory 2P of work, Theory 2E of results, and Theory O of the RPO (relevant and performing organisation). In organamics there is Theory Ix on intellect, Theory Px on paradigm, Theory Sx on identity, and Theory D on the RPI (relevant and performing individual). Hypothesis 2x and its eight theories drive our understanding of orgtology.

A baseline quantification is an exact measurement of performance or relevance before any change occurs. This allows Org to measure the effect of an applied improvement or a solution to a known problem. We often call this a baseline measure. Baseline quantifications help us to achieve both efficiency and effectiveness.

A belief is information you have about people, objects, issues, etc., that you consider true and factual. Such belief can be wrong or right. Beliefs define what you believe. This is a confirmation of what is true and real to you and what is not. External contexts such as the environment where you grow up and the contexts within which you function shape and define your beliefs. Conscious awareness creates the belief system of any person. You shape and define your belief system as you become consciously aware of the self and how you relate to people, objects, and issues.

A binary means that something is composed of, or involves, two things. In mathematics it is a system of numerical notation that has 2 rather than 10 as a base. Binary is thus a bijective base-2 numeral system. In orgtology we sometimes use the terms “binary” and “duality” synonymously because both have two parts. However, to most people Binary has a specific mathematical connotation.

A black swan audit is an assessment of how ready Org is to deal with disastrous events. Such an audit must assess whether Org will be able to continue business if unpredictable event with high impact strikes. In orgtology we do not believe that contingency plans are enough to manage black swan risks. Beyond checking for contingency plans, an audit must also include Org’s risk appetite; the repetitive vs. non-repetitive activity ratio that Org authorises; the leadership capability that Org has, to deal with crisis events; and whether Org would financially survive if disaster strikes.

A black swan risk is an event or occurrence that is extremely difficult to predict. In other words, we do not know how likely it is to happen. To manage any risk, we must grasp both its probability and impact. With black swan risks we will only experience impact as and after it happens. These risks deviate from what we normally expect. Their nature is typically random and unpredictable. Examples of black swan risks are acts of terrorism, e.g., the September 11 incident; natural disasters, like a Tsunami; etc. Crisis management skills and contingency plans are key to manage black swan risks.

A body of knowledge (BoK) is the complete set of concepts, terms, and activities that make up a professional body. Professional associations have the responsibility to create and keep the knowledge that its members must have to practice in their profession. The OBoK is the Orgtology Body of Knowledge. It consists of a core hypothesis, eight base theories, concepts, models, and tools that members must master to practice as Orgtologists. Therefore, we base the practice of Orgtology on the OBoK.

A breakeven point is the level where total revenues equals total expenses. In other words, the break-even point is the minimal accepted point of revenue for Org. Therefore, there is no profit or loss. The revenue of Org must cover its total fixed and variable expenses for a specified period. To calculate a BEP in units: BEP in Units = Fixed Costs / (Sales Price per Unit - Variable Cost per Unit). In efficiency, a breakeven point is where outputs equal inputs. In effectiveness a breakeven point is where relevance of an output equals the outputs produced. In economics it will be where supply is equal to demand.