Palaver Tree

When thinking about the values of the Palaver Tree: harmony over truth, no urgency, consensus, hearing from all parties...I thought about a current process that is unfolding.

The restructuring of American Airlines and other companies' bankruptcy proceedings require a process that utilizes, at least ideally, these values. The point of the litigation process, which in itself can be considered ritualistic, is that all parties are given a say and the restructuring plan put forth will be the best for all. In this sense, it is about reaching that consensus or a level of harmony between the management, employees, the suppliers and others involved.

It can be argued that American Airlines was not thinking about these values before in their decision-making. Truly hearing from all parties would mean there is a well-established line of communication, which many people have pointed out that the airlines has not had the best communication between management and its employees.