Pragmatic is an adjective that describes the ability to understand and interpret nonverbal and verbal cues in a social situation. This can include facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, as well as the ability to glean meaning from implied information. Individuals with pragmatic impairments struggle to interpret these cues, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunication. Common causes of pragmatic deficits may include social cognition challenges, sensory processing differences, or a lack of exposure to diverse social situations.
In the context of project management, pragmatism refers to a balanced approach that embraces forward-thinking and innovation. It requires a clear understanding of the risks and available resources, and a focus on future performance. However, the word is often misused or abused to glorify the status quo and encourage short-term fixes. Pragmatic thinking should balance the need for progress with a healthy dose of skepticism, so that we can learn from the past and move forward.
The word pragmatism was first coined in the 1800s by a philosopher named William James, and has since become an important philosophical framework for many fields, including education, psychology, sociology, and business. James’ philosophy centers around the idea that true knowledge is derived from practical experience, rather than pure theory. Pragmatism has also influenced research methodologies, especially in organizational settings. For example, pragmatist researchers are encouraged to be flexible in their investigative techniques and choose methods that will best fit the needs of the organization (Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005).
While pragmatism has many benefits, there are some flaws. The most prominent concern is that pragmatism collapses when applied to moral issues. For example, the concept that “what works” is more important than morality becomes flawed when the pragmatic approach is used to justify slavery or other racial injustices.
Another problem is that pragmatism has a tendency to overlook the importance of ethics and values. While pragmatism is great for evaluating projects, it is crucial that organizations remain ethical and value-driven, even when this means sacrificing some short-term gain. This is because sacrificing ethical standards ultimately leads to more long-term problems, such as low employee morale and decreased productivity.
Pragmatism is a valuable concept that can help us evaluate our own work and the work of others. By being more focused on outcomes and results, we can ensure that we are achieving our desired goals. However, we should be careful not to over-focus on the pragmatic, as this can lead to a lack of innovation and creativity in our projects. Instead, we should strive for a balanced approach that encompasses both the pragmatic and the idealistic, and use each of these tools in the proper context. By doing so, we can create the most effective solutions for our projects and build a sustainable future.
