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The Neurotic Organization: Diagnosing Counterproductive Styles of Leadership and Management

Writer: Nicholas TokoNicholas Toko
15 hours ago5 min read

In the April edition of the #JungianBitsOfInformation blog, I will explore the 'neurotic' organization based on a similarly titled book in the Motivational Reading section of my website entitled, 'The Neurotic Organization: Diagnosing and Changing Counterproductive Styles of Management' by Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries and Danny Miller.


In this ground breaking work, the authors detail different organizational neuroses and show how these #neuroses affect planning, decision making, and organizational cultures. Complete with numerous case histories, the authors uncover the underlying causes behind problematic organizational behaviour and the often unconventional measures needed to restore the neurotic organization to health.


Abstract - The Neurotic Organization: Diagnosing and Changing Counterproductive Styles of Management' be de Vries and Miller

de Vries and Mille suggest that many parallels can be drawn between organizational and individual pathologies. The authors believe that the fantasies of top executives and the neurotic styles to which they give rise are important determinants of the nature of organizational dysfunctions. This is particularly true in centralized organizations where the top executives have a major impact upon organizational climate, structure, strategy and even the selection of the environment; and, where organizational recruitment and promotion processes ensure uniformity, or at least conformity, among the top ranks of executives. Using an empirically derived taxonomy, the authors have isolated five common pathological organizational types and related each of these to the fantasies and neurotic styles of their top executives. Each type is shown to reflect a large number of elements of structure and strategy that are consistent with and probably caused by the neurotic style of the cadre of top executives. The types are called paranoid, compulsive, histrionic, depressive and schizoid. Implications for management research and organizational change are discussed.


The Unconscious in the workplace

I'll take a deep dive into how the unconscious behaviours of an individual and group can impede the vision, mission, goals, objectives or values of a company or organization. These behaviours - originating from unconscious activity - will be looked at using examples of dysfunctional leadership and management styles.


I am sure many of you reading this blog have experienced or worked with dysfunctional leaders and managers. But have you ever stopped to think about the psychological reasons for their behaviour? The unconscious can enable or impede business or organizational success. The blog will analyze dysfunctional organizational behaviour and provide some insights into why some companies and organizations are healthier than others.


The unconscious is an untapped source of personal transformation, it can help you to improve your resilience, better understand yourself and others, develop more effective personal and work-based relationships, find creative solutions to long-standing problems and a source of inspiration, knowledge and wisdom. The unseen and unknown unconscious dynamics can also have unintended and less constructive, even damaging, consequences for you, the people around you and the workplace. Getting to know your unconscious self can help to address emotional issues and improve your relationships with others.


With this in mind, imagine how the unconscious might impede business or organizational success. The dynamics between consciousness and the unconscious manifest in the Personality of an Individual. When the Personality of an Individual engages with the Group in a work setting, then another set of dynamics emerges. These complex set of dynamics within an Individual, and between an Individual and a Group can have positive or negative consequences.


I will explore the negative consequences through the concept of a Personality Disorder. It is estimated that 20-30% of the world's population is afflicted by a Personality Disorder.


Personality Disorders are a ‘special group of psychological disorders' of which the general public and most workplaces are generally unaware. The impact of these disorders can be minor to severe.


What are Personality Disorders?

I define Personality Disorders as 'disturbances in a person's capacity to relate harmoniously to the psychosocial environment and to his, her or their internal needs'.


In addition:


  • Personality disorders are characterized by enduring, inflexible patterns of inner experience and behaviour that deviate significantly from cultural expectations.


  • These patterns are pervasive, meaning they affect a wide range of situations, and inflexible, meaning they are not easily changed.


  • They typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood and persist over time, causing distress or impairment in social, occupational, relationship or other areas of functioning.


The mental health profession recognises 10 specific personality disorders. In the blog, I will look at each cluster and it's negative consequences for the health and well-being of a company or organization.


Cluster A (Odd or Eccentric):

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizotypal Personality Disorder


Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic):

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder


Cluster C (Anxious or Fearful):

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Dependent Personality Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder


Personality Disorders can be located on a spectrum of healthy to unhealthy behaviour, mild to severe behaviour and introverted or extraverted in nature as illustrated below.


Personality: The Healthy to Unhealthy Spectrum


Glossary of Terms

Paranoid personality disorder

is a pattern of distrust and suspiciousness such that others’ motives are interpreted as malevolent.

Schizoid personality disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder

Antisocial personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder

Histrionic personality disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder

Avoidant personality disorder

Dependent personality disorder

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

 

Further reading and support

 
 

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