Discovering the Enemy Within: An Exercise in Unintended Thought
- 1 May 2007
- journal article
- other
- Published by Emerald in Organization Management Journal
- Vol. 4 (1), 87-110
- https://doi.org/10.1057/omj.2007.9
Abstract
This experiential exercise addresses a complex and many faceted problem in organizational psychology that is sometimes referred to as false consciousness. By bringing the subconscious into focus, we learn how we got where we are, and more importantly, we learn that while our environment may affect our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, we are in no way helpless pawns of our socialization. The exercise is a fun house of mirrors, providing opportunities to address myriad organizational behavior issues. We explore how much of our current behaviors are due to socialization, conscious thought, and context. We investigate intended versus actual behaviors, our unconscious attributions, associations, perceptions, stereotypes, and self-honesty. Finally, we ask ourselves, “Just who is making up my mind for me?Keywords
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