Emotional Abuse and Neglect in the Workplace: A Method for Arrested OD

Abstract

Emotional abuse and neglect in the workplace deserve wider recognition, because the process involved is insidious and paralyzes organizational development. An intervention strategy is presented that can be used in case of organizational neglect. The strategy’s distinctive characteristics are:

• Guided organizational development by line management based on the zone of proximal
  competence and development of individuals and teams;
• Identification and interpretation of harmful, hidden dynamics;
• Effectuation of change through interactions on the work floor with aid of a more
  knowledgeable other (to teach operational management to guide subordinates’ development);
• Effectuation of change in the lived reality by coaxing stakeholders out of their comfort zone
  while an OD consultant remains psychologically available throughout the process.

CEOs, senior managers and management consultants assigned to change programs should be familiar with this method for restoring normal organizational life after a period of emotional abuse and neglect. The OD method presented was developed using more than 150 cases in both the public and private sector.