Humanness in Organisations

Humanness in Organizations is a unique contribution from the social sciences to the betterment of organizational life. The authors argue that working life can only become more humane when we change the conditions that consciously or unconsciously steer people away from consideration, friendship and integrity. The aim of this book is twofold: first, to take a closer look at the current practices of managers, academics, and consultants, and how they affect organizational conditions, work and the well-being of people. The critical studies presented here explore and develop the likely consequences of these practices for the future. Second, the authors wish to familiarize readers with 'actionable knowledge' in order to create alternative practices and conditions that enable the whole person to engage in healthier interactions both in and with his organization. Nine social scientists from Europe or the United States, each with an established reputation in the field of consulting with a psychodynamic or 'clinical perspective', have contributed their experiences and studies to the book.

Leopold Vansina

Foreword , General introduction , Taking a Closer Look , Introduction , Psychic imprisonment and its release within organisations and working relationships , Work, management, and psychic health , Approaching twenty-first century, information-based organisations , Are we losing the group in the study of group dynamics? Three illustrations , Notes towards a model of organisational therapy , Thoughts and Ideas for the Practice , Introduction , Processing mental representations of roles: alternating written and face-to-face interactions , Facilitating transitional change , Feedback or reviewing: a conceptual clarification of the differential impact on human beings and work systems , Conversations on work , Enacting one's way to new thinking: using critical incidents to vitalise authentic collaboration and learning , Epilogue