ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses a poetic exploration into the heart of darkness of workplace conflict. The workplace is an interpersonal world articulated by the logic of hierarchical organization structure, professions and specialization, plans and direction, and of course the fruits of everyone’s labor that yields our sustenance—money for our family, food, and shelter. The workplace may be rewarding and fulfilling, but it also can become an interpersonal minefield where small and large conflicts are waged every day and sometimes without end. Group relations theory also suggests that one result of splitting and projection can be the creation of a hostile workplace. The poem and discussion surface for inspection how often individuals in the workplace are “deauthorized” to speak and offer thoughtful, reflective, critical thoughts. Object relations theory offers some insight into the creation of the bad employees who must be controlled and dominated, and the bad organization that contains elements and experience to be despised.