Mental Model/Mindsets Paper
Student Name
OI/361
April 7, 2014
Instructor Name

Mental Model/Mindsets Paper
Reality representations that people use to understand and identify the particular phenomenon are known as mental models. Mental models represent assumptions that are deeply ingrained and they influence how people take action and how they understand the world. Mental models are developed over time through experience, socialization and interaction with others. They are opinions, beliefs, perceptions, assumptions, values and truths. Mental models are often hidden and one is not aware of them or their effect on one’s behavior. When mental models are created they become reinforced in the mind and it becomes hard to change them (Von Stamm, 2008). Vernon and Bud have been in this company for more than twenty years, thus there mental models are deeply rooted and difficult to change. It is hard to convince both of them to change their mental models or adopt new ones. The mental models that these two coworkers have impacted greatly on how they behave in the company and the decisions they make. Vernon is afraid of the expansion and Bud is against competing with other organizations.
Changing Mental Model/Mindsets
In any organization, change is constant, hence the need to keep changing mental models of employees. It is hard to change mental models since they are not forces that one is aware of consciously, but subconsciously. Vernon and Bud are against the new change that has been introduced by the new owners of the company. However, from time to time people must be willing to change for the good of the business even if they have the fear of the unknown (Rowe, 2004). People can take certain steps to change their mental models so as to improve on the quality of their performance. The first step is about understanding the limits and the power of mental models. The