X-Ray Vision at Work: Seeing Inside Organizational Life

Abstract

The study of group dynamics was central to the field of organization development at its inception. More recently, there has been a move away from considering irrational and unconscious dynamics in organizational life and more attention focused on rational and observable behavior that can be measured and quantified. We introduce the tool, Beneath the Surface of the Burke-Litwin Model, that invites consideration of how the overt behavior of individuals, groups, and entire systems is linked to covert dynamics. This more comprehensive view of organizational life provides scholar-practitioners with a systemic perspective, a view of covert dynamics by organizational level, and support for the ongoing development of one’s capacity for using self-as-instrument when engaged in organization development and organization change efforts.

Citation

Noumair, D.A., Pfaff, D.L., St. John, C.M., Gipson, A.N. and Brazaitis, S.J. (2017), "X-Ray Vision at Work: Seeing Inside Organizational Life", Research in Organizational Change and Development (Research in Organizational Change and Development, Vol. 25), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 203-248. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0897-301620170000025006