Disgust and Organization

Abstract

The author’s experience of changes inside organizations is the basis for some speculation about the specific reactions of people who were subject to these changes. ‘I could have puked’ as a comment points to a deeper concern than the feelings of unrest, anger or disappointment. It is disgust they express about what they perceive. Disgust is the most extreme reaction to perceptions, a reaction not only of considering right or wrong in a specific situation and arguing against it but an involuntary reaction, a revolt of the body against a perception of something unacceptable, harmful, damaging, poisoning. Starting from a concrete case during a project in a large bank three aspects are explored. Disgust is interpreted as a means of knowledge; it is set into the classical framework with discussion of the perfect body; and it is viewed from the perspective of Kafka’s novels. All three offer valuable insights which aid in the interpretation of the case presented and demonstrate the power of aesthetic theory for gaining knowledge about organizations.