Unlearning cynicism: A supplemental approach in addressing a serious organizational malady

Abstract

Purpose

“Unlearning” is discussed as an additional perspective or supplemental strategy for managers/leaders to consider when addressing cynicism in organizations. The article is not intended to be definitive. The aim of this paper is to generate ideas and encourage further exploration amongst practitioners and scholars regarding the feasibility of this perspective. There are a number of plausible explanations for the origin of cynicism, including the notion that cynicism is learned. As anything that is learned can also be unlearned, “unlearning” seemed to be a compelling perspective worthy of further exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

A targeted literature review of cynicism (with a specific focus on some of the more salient and well-respected research) was utilized to develop a conceptual overview of cynicism, a discussion of key causes/antecedents of cynicism, and common symptoms of cynicism. Select literature was also reviewed relative to the concept of “unlearning”. These varied sources were then synthesized into a framework that outlined the premise of “unlearning” applied to cynicism in organizations.

Findings

This article focuses on the attitudinal dimension of cynicism, discussing “unlearning” as a possible method for addressing cynicism that can be used to supplement, but not necessarily replace, other methods that have proven effective.

Originality/value

Cynicism in organizations has received notable research attention. This article contributes to this important topic by exploring “unlearning” as a supplemental approach or perspective for addressing cynicism with the intent of generating ideas and encouraging further exploration of the feasibility of this approach.

Citation

Schraeder, M., Jordan, M.H., Self, D.R. and Hoover, D.J. (2016), "Unlearning cynicism: A supplemental approach in addressing a serious organizational malady", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 532-547. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-05-2013-0674