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Transformation
September 20, 2012, 23:07
KallehTransformation
In nursing, from time to time, we harness new words (and "harness" is one, too). Now it's all about "transforming" nursing education. When I look up "transforming," it seems a little too radical for me. Yes, we do need to
change how we teach nursing students, for example by using more simulation or integrating more clinical reasoning, rather than memorization. However, "transform" means to change the structure or the appearance. Surely we don't mean to go that far. What are your thoughts? Is "transform" being used in other professions, too?
September 21, 2012, 00:48
arnieIt's typical management-speak. It's used as a synonym for
change in a lot of cases when what is really meant is
tinker. A truly radical change might be a transformation, but they are rare. The old axiom, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies, and most changes are cosmetic only, even if they are trumpeted as "Transforming the way we work" and the like.
Build a man a fire and he's warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life.
September 21, 2012, 06:21
GeoffI wonder what the difference is between transformation and reformation. For some purposes they seem synonymous.
It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. -J. Krishnamurti
September 21, 2012, 22:32
KallehInteresting question, Geoff. I hear about "transformation" all the time, but never "reformation."
I also have never heard as many "quotes" at a conference as I have at this one. I put it in quotes because I have often found speakers often provide false quotes.
September 22, 2012, 01:43
Richard EnglishTo me "reformation has two meanings:
1. Improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices etc.; intended to make a striking change for the better in social or political or religious affairs - which is similar to "transformation".
2. Rescuing from error and returning to a rightful course - which is probably not.
Transformation to me is a less precise term.
Richard English
September 22, 2012, 21:14
KallehI also like the term "revolutionize." It sounds more active...more "in your face."
September 23, 2012, 00:40
Richard EnglishRevolutionise is a verb created from a noun created from a verb. Revolt - revolution - revolutionise.
Why not stick with the original verb?
Richard English
September 23, 2012, 07:48
goofyquote:
Originally posted by Richard English:
Revolutionise is a verb created from a noun created from a verb. Revolt - revolution - revolutionise.
Why not stick with the original verb?
Because
revolt and
revolutionize have different meanings.
September 23, 2012, 20:25
KallehExactly, Goofy. Of the three words, I think "reformation" might be the best.
September 24, 2012, 02:25
Richard Englishquote:
Originally posted by goofy:
quote:
Originally posted by Richard English:
Revolutionise is a verb created from a noun created from a verb. Revolt - revolution - revolutionise.
Why not stick with the original verb?
Because
revolt and
revolutionize have different meanings.
Not that different, surely?
Revolt = Make revolution
Revolutionise = Overthrow by a revolution, of governments.
There are other meanings of the verb "revolt", of course - but they do not apply.
Richard English
September 24, 2012, 06:05
arniequote:
Revolutionise = Overthrow by a revolution, of governments
That's a definition I'd never heard of before. I checked with
Collins English Dictionary (as the first dictionary in Onelook) and they do give that, as the third choice, although I was only familiar with the first two meanings. I also note that their usage examples only contain specimens of the first definition. Your usage is certainly not the one that would first come to my mind.
quote:
1.to bring about a radical change in ⇒ science has revolutionized civilization
2.to inspire or infect with revolutionary ideas ⇒ they revolutionized the common soldiers
3.to cause a revolution in (a country, etc)
Build a man a fire and he's warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life.
September 24, 2012, 21:06
KallehI do like that definition of bringing about a radical change. Perhaps
revolutionize is the best word, after all. I really don't much like the words
reform or
reformation anyway. They sounds too religious to me.
Of course government "revolutions" do come to mind, but not in this context. Though I guess the same could be said of "reformation."
September 26, 2012, 14:59
CaterwaullerThis makes me think of one of my favorite lines from the musical 1776:
quote:
A rebellion is always legal in the first person, such as "our rebellion." It is only in the third person - "their rebellion" - that it becomes illegal.
Of course, if the nurses themselves decided that change needed to occur, would it then be called a rebellion? Hmm . . .
*******
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
~Dalai Lama
September 26, 2012, 16:54
<Proofreader>If the nurses thuught of it, it would an "unwarranted intrusion into the prerogatives of management."
September 26, 2012, 21:22
KallehI
do like rebellion, CW! It might push the envelope a bit.