Pattern of confidence ploys essential in the processes of governance
responding to challenges. Combinations may also be successfully used.
(See commentary) For other tables of strategies
see: Chinese strategems;
value-based; typology
for sustainable development; strategic
dilemmas
| Covert
response Overt
|
[A] Non-response
|
[B]
Postponed response |
[C]
Strong short-term response followed by no further action Token response with phased out follow-up |
[D]
Strong continuing response but ineffectual implementation Inappropriately implemented response |
| When holding superiority | For confused situations | |||
| Deny
Ignore Repress [1] |
Denial of issue (possibly with non-recognition of its promoter) | Denial of issue, delaying any covert determination of its significance | Denial of issue with covert token monitoring of its significance | Denial of issue with covert long-term monitoring of little significance |
| Discredit
Distract Harass [2] |
Discrediting & harassment of issue & promoter to ensure lack of action | Discrediting & harassment of issue & promoter to delay covert action significantly | Discrediting & harassment of issue & promoter to legitmate any token action | Discrediting & harassment of issue & promoter to legitimate other inappropriate programmes |
| Acknowledge
[3] |
Publicised recognition of issue without further implications for action | Publicised recognition of issue delaying covert action implications | Publicised recognition of issue oriented around token action response | Publicised recognition of issue around enduring action of unchecked relevance |
| For confrontation | For gaining ground | |||
| Displacement
Bluster/Protest Scapegoat [4] |
Bluster and scapegoating to displace concern and effectively justify inaction | Bluster and scapegoating to shift priorities and justify covert action delay | Bluster and scapegoating to give credibility to token action | Bluster and scapegoating to disguise inappropriateness of other action taken |
| Provoke
Ensnare Disinform [5] |
Provocation in order to disguise inaction | Provocation in order to delay need for covert action | Provocation by short-term action of little consequence | Continuing provocation disguising inappropriateness of other action taken |
| Promise
Commitment [6] |
Expressed commitment to action without any intention of taking any | Expressed commitment to overt action which is systematically postponed | Expressed commitment to action conceived as token and short-term | Expressed commitment to enduring action of unverified appropriateness |
| For attack | For desperate straits | |||
| Invitation
Cooptation Honour [7] |
Publicized invitation to participate -- in action which never takes place | Publicized invitation to participate -- in action which is postponed | Publicized invitation to participate -- in token short-term initiatives | Publicized invitation to participate -- in other long-term inappropriate projects |
| Encourage
Lure Overload [8] |
Enthusiastic encouragement to take action -- without any valid support | Enthusiastic encouragement to take action -- delaying any necessary support | Enthusiastic encouragement to take action - with rapid termination of support | Enduring encouragement and support -- without adequate check on its appropriateness |
| Action
on issue [9] |
Action specifically designed to have no effect | Action delayed so that it is ineffective | Strong action of brief duration (rendering it ineffective) | Strong enduring action -- without adequate check on implementation effectiveness |