Treating the Parataxic Organization

Abstract

This article explores the psychodynamics of language and communication in organizational change efforts. The author presents a case example of an intervention from his consulting work that describes the linkages among dialectic skills, childhood development, unconscious interpersonal and group phenomena, and he consultant's use of language. The author suggests that the participants' adroitness in communicating emotions in a group setting is a crucial factor in organizational change. He attempts to show, in theory and practice, why that is true, what the interventionist/consultant needs to know in this regard, and how positive steps may be taken to facilitate change.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Argyris, C. , & Schon, D. (1978). Organizational learning. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.

Bion, W. R. (1959). Experiences in groups. New York: Basic Books.

Bion, W. R. (1970).Attention and interpretation. New York: Basic Books.

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment: Attachment and loss, Vol 1. New York: Basic Books.

.Bowlby, J. (1973). Separation: Anxiety and anger, Vol. 2. New York: Basic Books.

Diamond, M. A. (1988). Organizational identity: A psychoanalytic exploration of organizational meaning. Administration & Society, 20, 166-190.

Diamond, M. A. , & Allcorn, S. (1987). The psychodynamics of regression in work groups. Human Relations, 40, 525-543.

Havens, L. (1986). Making contact: Uses of language in psychotherapy. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Kernberg, O. (1980). Internal world and external reality. New York: Aronson.

10.

Kets de Vries, M.F.R. , & Miller, D. (1984). The neurotic organization. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

11.

Klein, M. , & Riviere, J. (1964). Love, hate and reparation. New York: Norton.

12.

Kohut, H. (1977). The restoration of the self. New York: International Universities Press.

13.

Kohut, H. (1984). How does analysis cure? Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

14.

Levenson, E. (1983). The ambiguity of change: An inquiry into the nature of psychoanalytic reality. New York: Basic Books.

15.

Mahler, M. S. , Pine, F. , & Bergman, A. (1975). The psychological birth of the human infant. New York: Basic Books.

16.

Sullivan, H. S. (1953). The interpersonal theory of psychiatry. New York: Norton.

17.

Sullivan, H. S. (1954). The psychiatric interview. New York: Norton.

18.

Winnicott, D. W. (1971). Playing and reality. London: Tavistock.