Overcoming the Desire for Misunderstanding through Dialogue

Datos Bibliográficos

ID6302595
AutoresPaul Hoggett (0000-0003-1870-8245, autor de correspondencia)
Año2003
Volumen29
Número3
Páginas118-127
Fecha de publicación2003-08-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaLocal Government Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0300-3930 • E-ISSN: 1743-9388
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03003930308559382
OpenAlexW2052610150
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas4
Referencias citadas14

The emotional and psychological aspects of joint working are examined in this article, providing a powerful explanation for the continuing difficulties in achieving joined-up government. Drawing on the sociology of community, psycho-dynamics of inter-group behaviour and theories of identity and difference, the author argues that New Labour's vision of an inclusive, consensual, community is inherently flawed; that conflict is a necessary and fundamental aspect of social relations. Indeed, ‘splitting’ and ‘exclusion’ are features of geographical, professional and occupational communities. And concepts such as ‘relationships-in-the-mind’ are valuable in understanding how identities are formed and maintained, and how patterns of conflict, hostility, misunderstanding and non-cooperation develop. Splitting and exclusion are important processes in building group identity, but they can also significantly undermine attempts to develop collaboration between agencies. The answer is for groups to engage in ‘conflictual dialogue’, addressing openly the misunderstandings created by group identities

Aesthetics · Collective identity · Epistemology · Government (linguistics · Hostility · Identity (music · Political science · Politics · Public relations · Social group · Social identity theory · Social science · Sociology · Emotional Labor in Professions · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Law · Management and Organizational Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology