In the Shadow of Organization

This book deals with the dilemma of individual autonomy in an organizational society. It argues that the organizations that we established to work for us have instead imprisoned us. Drawing upon critical social theorists like Habermas, depth psychologists like Jung, and phenomenologists like Husserl, author Robert B. Denhardt shows how the ethic of organization inhibits the individual’s search for meaning and then discusses strategies for enhancing the individual’s role. He champions independence, expressiveness, and creativity over discipline, regulation, and obedience. To this first paperback edition, Denhardt has added a new introduction that focuses on leadership’s key role in humanizing organizations, as well as a bibliographical update.