Overcoming the Desire for Misunderstanding through Dialogue

Bibliographic Data

ID6302595
AuthorsPaul Hoggett (0000-0003-1870-8245, corresponding author)
Year2003
Volume29
Issue3
Pages118-127
Publication date2003-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueLocal Government Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0300-3930 • E-ISSN: 1743-9388
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03003930308559382
OpenAlexW2052610150
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited14

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