An Evolutionary Framework
The Existential Universe Mapper, or EUM represents an evolutionary framework, and a set of associated tools that serve varied diagnostic and developmental needs of individuals and organizations.
The EUM framework has been created by Ashok Malhotra. Major contributing influences have been the work of Prof. Clare Graves, and various strands of Indian philosophical thought such as pluralism and context-sensitivity.
Why EUM?
All frameworks are lenses through which we try and understand ourselves, others and collectives we are a part of. Inevitably they are based on some beliefs and assumptions which are rarely articulated.
EUM is different.
EUM has a clear philosophical base and a well-articulated set of axioms.
- We are whole in ourselves and also a part of a larger whole
- We and our context are intertwined; each shapes the other
- We are all similar but also unique
- We evolve; nothing good or bad about it
- We are this, that, and more
- We respond to an inner call and to outside forces
('We' refers to individuals and collectives)
The EUM framework is deployed through three key instruments/applications
EUM-I
Maps the individual's orientations
EUM-O
Maps Organization identity and culture
EmPACT
Explores the employee-organization interface - the psychological pacts.
What makes working with the EUM a distinctive and meaningful experience…
The EUM views people and collectives as a work-in-progress rather than a frozen set of attributes, labels or categories.
It helps work with identity and the dynamic configuration of its multiple constituents
The individual / system and the context are seen in conjunction as they influence and impact one another.
There is no state of being, direction, or goal held as inherently desirable
It helps distinguish between inner evocation and external triggers driving any action or change
Six Core Axioms
Wholeness & Connection
We are whole in ourselves and also a part of a larger whole
Context Sensitivity
We and our context are intertwined; each shapes the other
Unity in Diversity
We are all similar but also unique
Evolution
We evolve; nothing good or bad about it
Multiplicity
We are this, that, and more
Dual Motivation
We respond to an inner call and to outside forces
Notions of Universes & Identity
Understanding Universes
In EUM, a Universe is a composite and coherent set of needs, values, wants, proclivities, worldview and role-taking. Every Universe in us addresses specific human imperatives and offers unique learning essential to our development.
- •Universal Presence: All Universes reside in each individual/system.
- •Dynamic Expression: Some express themselves more prominently than others at a point in time.
- •Equal Value: No Universe is more or less desirable than another.
- •Essential Learning: Each Universe offers unique learning essential to our development.
While all the Universes are present in all of us, the unique configuration of the Universes within each one of us gives us our distinct identity.
Three Key Instruments of EUM
The EUM framework is deployed through three key instruments that are deceptively simple: easy to use, yet opening doors to vast and layered insights.
EUM-O
Maps organizational identity and culture, providing insights about how it manifests in day-to-day functioning. Links organization culture with leadership orientation.
- •Enables dialogue within leadership teams on OD strategy
- •Provides diagnostic assessment of organizational realities
- •Creates blueprint for organizational development actions
EmPACT
Explores the employee-organization interface through psychological pacts. Studies the relationship between the organization and its stakeholders through six distinct pacts aligned with EUM Universes, each representing a unique way of engaging with the organization.
- •The Tribal Pact: Based on belonging and loyalty, focusing on community and collective identity
- •The Nomadic Pact: Emphasizes independence and individual achievement through personal power
- •The Agrarian Pact: Centers on stability, order, and systematic growth through established structures
- •The Marketplace Pact: Focuses on competition, success, and strategic advantage in the market
- •The Ecological Pact: Emphasizes harmony, sustainability, and holistic well-being
- •The Holistic Pact: Integrates multiple perspectives for comprehensive system evolution
- •Identifies potent restlessness and energy points in the system
- •Facilitates leadership dialogue on operative pacts
- •Translates insights into strategic direction and action
EUM-I
Maps individual identity, values, and developmental paths to support personal growth and leadership development.
- •Provides insights into personal motivation and behavior patterns
- •Supports leadership development and coaching
- •Facilitates better understanding of self and others
Join Our Community
Be part of the growing community of certified EUM practitioners
Presently we are a community of 100 certified EUM practitioners, and growing. EUM practitioners train to co-hold multiple perspectives pertaining to the client and the context, facilitate reflection and co-create a development agenda. The learning process to be a EUM practitioner is itself enriching and often insightful.
What Our Community Says
"We experience the world from who we are... the lens that we have acquired. EUM's robust framework helps us understand the motivations, perspectives, judgments, and interactions of individuals in their alignment and engagement with others. It's particularly relevant for team building, diversity and inclusion, and stakeholder engagement."
"I have used EUM-O for most of my organization level work. Almost always, people say 'Spot on' and this helps them chart a way forward. It moves away from easy, popular ways of intervening in organization growth and well-being by putting the spotlight on what is happening well and where work is needed."
"I have been working with the EUM in different ways, with different organisations. With Sanjog, a social impact organisation, my colleagues and I use the EUM in strengthening systems, culture and leadership in the organisation. In another national programme comprising of individuals and organisations from different sectors working for collective impact, the stakeholders and I work with the EUM to manage partnerships and consortium management."
"On the EmPACT session - Today's was a very meaningful session - to know the background - esp. your experience and contrast with Gallup work, and the constructs of EmPact. Just a sense that this really helps make the work from a systems perspective more complete and is not a mere addition of everything else that came before…all parts put together do not make a whole…and merely dividing the whole doesn't reveal all parts."