Using biographical methods to understand managerial style and character
Article Abstract:
A biographical action research approach was used to understand managers' behavior and foster their development. While taking part in a team study of executives' life histories, the author developed a theoretical framework of managerial style and personality. This approach was used to determine the underlying forces within each subject's character shaped by that person's life history and environment and reinforced by organizational values and norms. The key principles of the biographical method are the following: gather multiple perspectives, use mutiple methods, and combine research and service. Applications of the framework and principles in studying and consulting to executives are decribed, with details of the case study of one subject highlighted. The dilemmas of biographical action research involve resulting emotional repercussions, reporting data accurately without compromising subject's anonymity, and balancing service to clients with the scientific pursuit of knowledge. The benefits include deeper understanding of the manager's style, behavior, character, and development and how the manager's environment shapes character. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Publication Name: Journal of Applied Behavioral Science
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0021-8863
Year: 1990
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Character change in executives as "re-form" in the pursuit of self-worth
Article Abstract:
For executives to improve the ways they lead their organizations, they may need to undergo not merely behavioral change, but also some change in character. Character is formed in response to the value placed on a child, and is the set of strategies a person adopts to achieve a sense of self-worth. Executives are usually shaped - and rewarded by their organizations - in ways that overemphasize an "expansive" way of life and self-worth based on mastery. The author provides findings from an intensive, ideographic, biographical action research project involving 39 upper-leval managers that examined the subjects' life histories, their work and home environments, and their outer and inner lives. The research and change processes are illustrated with the case of one project participant who achieved and sustained both personal growth and improvements in his management style. Used with appropriate precautions, the whole-life approach to executive development can effect lasting, internalized change. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Publication Name: Journal of Applied Behavioral Science
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0021-8863
Year: 1990
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Interpreting lessons learned: a comment on Paula Caproni's journey into balance
Article Abstract:
Paula Caproni's personal progress towards a satisfying life structure as a way of summarizing some elements of the work/life issues is explained. The possible lessons to be drawn about work/life issues from this interchange are discussed.
Publication Name: Journal of Applied Behavioral Science
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0021-8863
Year: 2004
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