# 10. Manipulate dimensions ## 10.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 10.5.1. Splitting the majority In the event that a manipulator encounters a majority in favour of or against a motion with which he does not agree, he may introduce a new dimension into a previously simple decision. The objective here is to splinter the majority into parts, one or more of which the manipulator can then use to form a new allegiance and a new majority. The manipulator must be certain that there is sufficiently strong support amongst elements of the original majority for his "new dimension". Once assured, the next stage is the formation of a new majority from the newly segmented parts and the manipulator's original minority. For instance, in a labour dispute concerning a management's limitation on overtime, the management can diffuse the majority demanding the status quo by offering productivity bonuses for the normal working week. Whilst most of the workers may have been initially in favour of keeping the amount of overtime as it was, the introduction of the dimension of additional productivity payments for normal working hours will split this majority. Some of the workers will undoubtedly prefer to earn more for their standard working week than to hold out for overtime payments. The effect is a split majority: the workers' overtime demand is no longer unanimous and the new proposal wins the day. The net effect is that employees are paid a little more for higher productivity during standard working hours with no net cost to the company.