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Addictions

By Kenneth Betts, 2002

 It was one of those books I just couldn’t put down until I had finished it.  It had the things that, for me, make a great book.  Cross disciplinary thinking.  Lots of examples and case studies.  One overall point to make.  Examined the issues from many sides.  It was weak in only one area; practical recommendations.  But, most of all, it interested me because it was about an issue that I have faced many, many times.  The book is ‘The Addictive Organization’ by Anne Wilson Schaef and Diane Fassel.

 According to the book, the authors’ background includes business consulting and work with addicts of Alcohol. Out of the synthesis of these and other background sources, they build a compelling case for seeing the addictive syndrome of behaviors as a model for a variety of destructive corporate behaviors. 

 I have worked in a number of organizations and have been repeatedly surprised, even shocked, by patterns of behavior I have seen there. Corporate leaders that consider themselves to have the highest of moral standards, will lie, plot, betray, and malign to cover up for organizational faults, to protect abusive managers, and to avoid accountability for discrepancies between the organization’s mission and its on the ground performance.  I have been amazed at coworkers’ willingness to stand by silently as their fellows are psychologically, physically, or socially abused by a manager and then silenced by the corporate leadership.

 According to the authors, these patterns of behavior are typical of the addict and their co-dependant family members.  Consequently, the addictive model can also be used to evaluate, explain, and treat corporate bodies too.

 Not all corporate bodies operate in this way.  But, the patterns outlined by the authors and the case studies given are so clearly a part of my personal experience and that of many of my peers, I was impressed, surprised, and challenged.

 I would put this book in the ‘must read’ category.  To order the book, go here: The Addictive Organization

For more reading on the subject of addictions, go here: Addictions Directory - addictions related news, books and web resources.

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