The Perverse Organisation and Its Deadly Sins

Bibliographic Data

ID19945286
AuthorsSusan Long (0000-0001-8995-8001), Susan M Long (0000-0001-8381-6416, corresponding author)
Year2018
Pages196
Publication date2018-04-24
Open AccessNo
TypeBOOK
VenueThe Perverse Organisation and its Deadly Sins (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherRoutledge (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.4324/9780429482724
OpenAlexW2897735066
Open LibraryOL43617585M
ISBN9780429482724
LanguageEN
Citations received8

The Perverse Organisation and its Deadly Sins begins by examining the nature of perversity and its presence in corporate and organisational life. Then, four chapters examine the "corporate sins" of perverse pride, greed, envy and sloth, each taking case studies from major organisations suffering their effects. Finally, the book enquires into the nature of the consumer/provider pair as a centrepiece of the perverse cultural dynamics of current organisational life. The emphasis in the book is on perversity displayed by the organisation as such, rather than simply by its leaders, or other members, even though they may embody and manifest perverse primary symptoms to the extent that they at times engage in corrupt or criminal behaviour. What is explored is a group and organisation dynamic, more deeply embedded than conscious corruption. Within the perverse structure some roles become required to take up corrupt positions. They become part and parcel of the way things work. The person may condemn certain practices, but the role requires them. Tensions between person and role may mean that the person in role acts as they would not while in other roles. Such tensions may lead to the dynamics of perversity. This book is important reading for managers, consultants, and all who are interested in the dynamics propelling what seem to be the out-of-control dynamics within contemporary organisational life. It helps us understand how many people in positions of trust may end up abusing those positions. It looks at how we may be collectively perverse despite our individual attempts to be otherwise

Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · Ethics in Business and Education · History · Management and Organizational Studies · Narcissism · Psychanalyse · Psychoanalysis · Psychological aspects · Work

Tools

Open DOI