Relational Thinking

‘’’Relational Thinking’’’ is

• A social philosophy, a broad-based inclusive framework of thinking, explored and developed by Dr Michael Schluter
• A framework based on the relational values of the Judaeo-Christian tradition as its origins lie in reflection on the biblical social vision.
• A framework which promotes the idea that all areas of public and private life can and should be seen not just through the financial and economic lenses but through the lens of relationships because it is through strong and resilient relationships that development and cohesion of organisations and communities, and personal well-being and health, are realised.
• A body of thought that answers important questions about the goals of national life, the purpose of institutions, and lifestyle issues, and the way in which these purposes and goals can be best achieved.

Key features of Relational Thinking

• All public policies and decisions by organisations should be assessed for their contribution to the relational health of those directly involved and of the wider community.
• A fresh understanding of the way relationships work, called Relational Proximity which explores the effects of communication, time, information, power and purpose on the way inter-personal and inter-organisational relationships are formed and assessed.
• A new and distinctive understanding of the goals and ethos, the institutional structure and work practices of:

o The education sector o The health sector o The criminal justice sector o The business sector

• A new and distinctive understanding of the goals and purposes of national development and how it should be measured/assessed, and in particular a fresh understanding of the meaning of development in the context of hi- and low-income countries.
• A radical critique of the structure of the public limited company and proposals for their re-engineering.