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Published: 2008




Synopsis
"The Perverse Organisation and its Deadly Sins" begins by examining the nature of perversity and its presence in corporate and organisational life. Then, four chapters examine the "corporate sins" of perverse pride, greed, envy and sloth, each taking case studies from major organisations suffering their effects. Finally,the book enquires into the nature of the consumer/provider pair as a centrepiece of the perverse cultural dynamics of current organisational life.

Description
There is evidence of a movement from 'a culture of narcissism' toward elements of a perverse culture. This book brings forth and examines the evidence as it reveals itself through one of the major institutions of our time: the work organisation. Corporations and organisations for work are major centers of social activity. In many senses they provide a critical source of identity for their members, just as do families and religions. The examination of corporations and organisations gives access to most of the dynamics operating within our society and reveals some of the deeper assumptions upon which our lives are based. To call them simply a reflection of human social organisation and proclivity, perhaps is to underrate the importance of themselves shaping todayâ€^TMs psyche. To look at the formation of perverse practice, structure and culture within organisations is also to look at that development in society more broadly.
The book first examines the nature of perversity and its presence in corporate and organisational life. Then, four chapters examine the 'corporate sins' of perverse pride, greed, envy and sloth, each taking case studies from major organisations suffering their effects. Finally, the book enquires into the nature of the consumer/provider pair as a centerpiece of the perverse cultural dynamics of current organisational life.
The emphasis in the book is on perversity displayed by the organisation as such, rather than simply by its leaders, or other members, even though they may embody and manifest perverse primary symptoms to the extent that they at times engage in corrupt or criminal behaviours. What is explored is a group and organisation dynamic, more deeply embedded than conscious corruption. Within the perverese structure some roles become required to take up corrupt positions. They become part and parcel of the way things work. The person may condemn certain practices, but the role requires them. Tensions between person and role may mean that the person in role acts as they would not while in other roles. Such tensions may lead to the dynamics of perversity.
This book is important reading for managers, consultants, and all who are interested in the dynamics propelling what seem to be the out-of-control dynamics within contemporary organisational life. It helps us understand how many people in positions of trust may end up abusing those positions. It looks at how we may be collectively perverse despite our individual attempts to be otherwise.
‘This is the book weâ€^TMve been waiting for, and for so long. A psychoanalytically inspired and politically informed look at contemporary organisational life which takes us from the mysteries of the New York Stock Exchange via Calisto Tanzi (Italyâ€^TMs Robert Maxwell) to the dynamics of envy in professional associations. How rarely one comes across someone who can integrate Bion, Lacan and Klein with critical social and organisational theory to produce an accessible book of vital contemporary relevance. This book signifies the coming-of-age of Bionâ€^TMs belief in the creative and disruptive possibilities of a psychoanalysis anchored in the life of the group.â€^TM
â€" Paul Hoggett, Professor of Politics and Director of the Centre for Psychosocial Studies at University of the West of England.
‘Susan Long chronicles Enron, Palamat, and many other corporations to identify the underlying psycho-dynamics of perverse organizations. These exist not only because of key role-holders' narcissism and greed, but also because of their ability to spin corporate narratives to sustain their lies and deceit. When the whistle is blown and the hubris fails, employees are caught in the fallout of the collusive conspiracy and, ultimately, lose.â€^TM
- W. Gordon Lawrence, Managing partner of Social Dreaming Ltd, Visiting Professor, University of Northumberland, Newcastle

Contents
1 The Perverse Organisation
2 Understanding the Perverse State of Mind
3 Perverse Pride
4 Perverse Greed
5 Envy
6 Sloth and Neglect
7 Perverse Wrath
8 The Consumer Provider Pair

The Author
Susan Long is Professor of Creative and Sustainable Organisation at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia where she heads a research concentration that includes a Professional Doctorate in Organisation (Human Systems and Psychodynamics). Originally a clinical psychologist, she has worked in group and organisational consultancy and research for the past twenty-eight years, including several projects in many countries. She has long experience within the systems psychodynamic approach to organisations and has been on staff and directed many group relations conferences in the Tavistock tradition. She has been a Board member of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (1996-7), was President of the International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organisations (2001-3) and is current President of Group Relations Australia. She has published many books and articles and recently co-edited ‘Coaching in Depth: The Organisational Role Analysis Methodâ€^TM published by Karnac Books (2006). Susan is mother of three and grandmother of three. She lives with her husband and younger son in Melbourne, Australia.