Leading change: insights from Jungian interpretations of The Book of Job

Abstract

This paper explores insights from the psychology of C.G. Jung as it relates to leadership and the management of change in organizations. It draws especially upon Jung’s archetypal interpretation of the biblical story of Job, and the relevance of this story to the modern day study of organizational life. It suggests that the transformations of consciousness represented within the story of Job are highly relevant to the ways that organizations and their leaders face chaotic, turbulent, and/or unpredictable circumstances. In particular, it describes the role of the feminine and the shadow within such situations, as forces that allow a new order to unfold during periods of intense change.

Citation

Smith, C. and Elmes, M. (2002), "Leading change: insights from Jungian interpretations of The Book of Job", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 448-460. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810210440360