Patterns & Metaphors
Gaining/losing initiative
Template:
In many forms of interaction, including some games (e.g. Go), considerable importance is attached to gaining the initiative in order to have a temporary advantage in controlling the process. Considerable efforts are made to avoid losing it, or to regain it again once it has been lost.
Metaphor:
Each power group in society can be conceived as attempting to gain the initiative or to resist losing it.
[Features] The subtlety of 'initiative' as the focus of concern, which is nevertheless understood to be exchanged somewhat like a ball in a game.
[Contrast] The concept is current in the relationships between power groups but mainly with regard to their narrow self-interest rather than their contribution to the interests of society as a whole.
[Keys] 'Leaving the ball in someone else's court'. 'Buck passing'.<
