Dynamic Conditions of Actions

In this lesson, we present the fourth element within the four-fold theory of action presented in the lessons "Actor-Orientation: Individual" and "Actor-Orientation: Societal": the dynamic conditions of actions.
These can be either non-ecological and/or ecological environmental conditions.



Dynamic conditions of action are:

  • perceived as structures by the actors;
  • weighted in relation to each other;
  • interpreted as opportunities for or limitations on the realisation of activities.

Along with the meaning and the goals of concrete actions (see lessons "Actor-Orientation: Individual" and "Actor-Orientation: Societal"), these conditions actually define the actor's framework for decision-making. In other words, they signal the degree of freedom an actor has to take decisions.

Creative Process

The dynamic nature of conditions influences the outcome of activities. However, this outcome can only be partially anticipated by actors.
Therefore, the perception, the valuation and the interpretation of the influence of the conditions - or, to be precise, the insecurity of individual actors in relation to the conditions - becomes a crucial issue in actors' strategies of action.

Hence, the actors' strategies of action have to strike a balance between

  • Adapting activities to the immediate conditions of action, and
  • Modifying and stabilising the conditions of action.

This individual and collective quest by the actors can be seen as a creative process of adaptation and innovation.
This creative process forms the basis of the indigenous development potential, which is a key element to be taken into account in an actor-oriented perspective.


One of the central aims of the actor-oriented perspective presented in the three "Actor-Orientation" lessons is to take environmental issues into account when analysing development problems.
From this perspective, ecological aspects are considered as dynamic conditions of actions:

  • They directly influence the outcome of activities and/or may themselves be affected as a result of these activities.
  • However, the relevance of ecological aspects is dependent on their perception, valuation and interpretation by the actors.



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