Scaffolding

• Scaffolding creates a point of stability that is very difficult to change and may exist naturally or be created

• In North America, standard is very rigid steel tubing and platforms
• Contrast that to bamboo which is light, flexible, and easily reconfigured
• A Jello mold shapes the final product as the liquid jells
• In medicine,  stitches hold skin repairs in place until they dissolve

In Human Systems

• Scaffolds are cognitive abstractions and is often a constraint or constructor that relate to information within a system
  • An example is the scaffolding of learners inspired by developmental psychologist Lev Vygotsky
    • Teachers scaffold learners by providing support and encouragement
    • Learners can perform beyond their current abilities
    • These supports are gradually reduced as learners become more adept and self-sufficient
  • Individuals forming groups create a point of stability

• Models, Frameworks, and Maps are Scaffolds for Org Change
  • They offer support for organizations undergoing new construction, renovations, or repairs

• I’ve seen the terms being used interchangeably
• I read one article that starts off listing 6 change frameworks and ends talking about them as models