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Sunday Thought: Conscious Organization

Our thoughts about organization have changed
greatly over time. They have changed very
significantly since I studied organizational behavior
in the mid-1970s.

Some issues, such as effectiveness, motivation,
satisfaction, growth, and other dimensions of
organizational life have remained important, but
the lense through which we see these issues
has changed profoundly. Today, we see the
world of organizations through the eyes of
complexity theory, self-organizing systems
thinking, and a host of new concepts that see
organizations as open, dynamic, holistic,
living systems. This is a sign of progress as
I see it.

Recognition of the role of spirituality in the
workplace is growing, although when you look
at the recent spate of corporate ethical blunders
place, we begin to question whether that is the
case. And still, human rights are being violated
in business organizations across the planet.
While the corporate world has made some headway
in treating the environment better, it still abuses
our natural resources on a daily basis.

I have become increasing interested in the notion
of the "conscious" organization, taking after the
focus of this website, Conscious Living. I
believe we must build more "conscious" organizations
that care more for people, matters of the spirit, and
the Earth. We must create organizations that
engender happiness in the world, and that contribute
more to the happiness and well-being of those who
work for them.

A new "consciousness" is required of all of us to build
more conscious organizations for business, governance,
education, religion, and other purposes. I believe there
is a role for poetry in calling attention to this new, more
conscious way of being in organizations. I'm not the only
one who believes this. Look at the work of David Whyte,
an avowed corporate poet. Others, like poet Larry Smith,
call attention to life of working class people. Poetry is a
powerful tool because it comes from the heart, which
should be the central organizing point for building more
conscious organizations.

My own work is shifting--actually back to my original
training in religion, anthropology, and organizational
behavior. I see my work in economic development
changing in many respects, as matters of the heart
and spirit weigh more heavily on what I do.

This is only a starting point for this discussion. I expect
my poetry, public speaking, and other work will begin
to incorporate more and more about "conscious"
organizing. Watch and see.

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