Organisational Control and the Self: Critiques and Normative Expectations

Abstract

This article explores the normative assumptions about the self that are implicitly and explicitly embedded in critiques of organisational control. Two problematic aspects of control are examined -the capacity of some organisations to produce unquestioning commitment, and the elicitation of 'false' selves. Drawing on the work of Rom Harré, and some examples of organisational-self processes gone awry, I investigate the dynamics involved and how they violate the normative expectations that we hold regarding the self, particularly its moral autonomy and authenticity. The paper concludes by arguing that, despite post-structuralist challenges, some notion of a 'core' or 'real' self still holds salience for employees negotiating their identities within regimes of control. The assumptions and expectations surrounding this aspect of self are also a pivotal element in the western intellectual tradition that promotes and enables critique.

The construction and controlling effect of a moral brand

“…The moral dimension to brand identity forms an increasingly important part of the retail landscape and draws attention to brand cultures that are shaped by the powerful discourse of 'doing the right thing'. In exploring this case it is argued that something distinct from cultures demanding extra-contractual presenteeism or high-commitment identity work (Casey, 1995;Kunda, 1992), and organisations' utilisation of aspects of the private lives of employees to lend authenticity and credibility to an organisation's identity and/or brand (Fleming, 2009;Fleming & Spicer, 2004;Fleming & Sturdy, 2011;Garrety, 2008;Land & Taylor, 2010) is evident. It demonstrates how employees control, and are controlled by the moral brand, and how it gives meaning to their lives at the same time as exhibiting characteristics of a totalistic cultural control, demonstrating Willmott's (1993) notion of 'doublethink'.…”

Mindful reflexivity: Unpacking the process of transformative learning in mindfulness and discernment

“…For instance, Buddhist mindfulness, based on the principles of impermanence 1 and dependent arising 2 , suggests that phenomena occur independently of human desire, and, at the same time, are interrelated to everything around them. Thus, there is a fundamental requirement for the self to relate to others (Garrety, 2008;Hibbert & Cunliffe, 2015) and engage with the world (Segal, 2011).…”

Farming and tourism enterprise: Experiential authenticity in the diversification of independent small-scale family farming

“…Thus, Heidegger viewed such authenticity as inherently related to experiencing the natural world, the antithesis of technological modes of existence. Often bound up with the pressures of modernity, and increasing separation from nature and sanitized living, it also carries with it notions of the conscious self, distinctions between the self and the other, and the real and imagined (Garrety, 2008;Jackson, 2005;Liedtka, 2008).…”