Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
2-2020
Abstract
In this paper we explore the alchemical possibilities of aesthetics in transforming organizational performance. We ground our discussion in an exploration of how four alchemical elements – earth, water, air and fire – identified in the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, can catalyse transformation. Inspired by Jung, we examine how these elements help us to better build awareness – of ourselves, of others in teams and work groups, and of untapped potential in organizational contexts. By developing greater awareness of aesthetics and their alchemical potential, leaders can better navigate the emergent and complex workings of organizational transformation processes, whether change is the desired outcome of a process, or is an undesired consequence of forces beyond an organization’s control.
Keywords
Organizational change, conflict engagement, arts-based methods, expressive arts, Jungian theory, alchemy
Discipline
Dispute Resolution and Arbitration | Organizations Law
Research Areas
Dispute Resolution
Publication
Organizational Aesthetics
Volume
6
Issue
2
First Page
62
Last Page
82
ISSN
2168-8575
Citation
ALEXANDER, Nadja and LEBARON, Michelle.
Optimising performance: How Jungian Alchemy informs organisational transformation. (2020). Organizational Aesthetics. 6, (2), 62-82.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/3297
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.