Critical theory and the psychodynamics of change: A note about organizations as therapeutic settings

Abstract

The critical theory of the Frankfurt School was imbued with a vision that apprehended social milieu as dialectic. Those who wish to adopt a dialectical orientation to their work as agents of and for change need to appreciate that such an orientation is likely to engender certain psychodynamics within themselves and others. In this particular setting, both individual and collective catharsis is to be expected as the contextually‐discovered revelation of, and reflection on, the “social amnesia” of the present organizational and social patterns. In many senses the organization should be considered as functioning as a therapeutic setting.

Citation

Carr, A. (2000), "Critical theory and the psychodynamics of change: A note about organizations as therapeutic settings", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 289-299. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810010330931