ABSTRACT

This fascinating book shows how an understanding of the psychodynamics of the extended family, from parental relations to sibling rivalries, can provide insight into many of the key issues faced by organizations today.

Covering topics such as change management, creativity, autonomous groups, leadership and democracy, it shows how deep-rooted family dynamics unconsciously frame the way we relate to each other in the workplace, and how they can have a profound influence on the broader trajectory of organizations.

This book features:

  • Examples on how to use the extended family as a framework for understanding organizational behaviour.
  • A look beyond parental relationships to discuss sibling relationships as well.
  • Examples to illustrate key topics of practical relevance to consultants and managers.

Family Psychodynamics in Organizational Contexts is an important read for students and scholars of organizational psychology, organizational studies and psychodynamics, as well as consultants and coaches working in organizational contexts.

chapter 1|10 pages

Introduction

Connections between family and organization

chapter 2|16 pages

The Oedipus complex – now with siblings

Lines of argument

chapter 3|11 pages

Digression: myths, fairy tales and metaphors

Parental power – the cost of solidarity

chapter 4|15 pages

Promoted siblings and temporary parents

About democracy and psychodynamic in Lewin and Winnicott

chapter 6|26 pages

Systems psychodynamics and subsystems

Family or organization, tyranny, democracy, crowd, market and panic

chapter 7|31 pages

Gender

chapter 8|11 pages

Role analysis

chapter 9|11 pages

Mergers

chapter 10|15 pages

Innovation

chapter 11|17 pages

Globalization and modernization