Management and the unconscious mind - for iPod/iPhone: Recent Episodes
The Open University
How can the unconscious mind influence management styles? Is rational thinking a pre-requisite for good ideas? The human brain is an incredibly complex machine which constantly processes vast amounts of data many of us are oblivious to as we go about our lives, but can the information contained within the unconscious mind aid managers within the work place? In the following audio discussion Guy Claxton, a psychologist from the University of Bristol argues that the parts of the psyche that operate independent of conscious reasoning can in fact be used to solve problems in everyday life, but this would require a shift in culture away from traditional management styles.
This material forms part of the Open University course BB842 Sustainable creative management.
Transcript -- Guy Claxton explains why he feels the unconscious mind has been neglected.
The pressure to come up with a solution quickly can be counter-productive in certain situations.
Transcript -- The pressure to come up with a solution quickly can be counter-productive in certain situations.
Western culture has a history of emphasising rational thought and individuals identifying with their conscious mind.
Transcript -- Western culture has a history of emphasising rational thought and individuals identifying with their conscious mind.
Tacit knowledge is difficult to transfer but a culture that allows space for slower forms of thought can help
Transcript -- Tacit knowledge is difficult to transfer but a culture that allows space for slower forms of thought can help