The dynamics of climate change: a case study in organisational

learning
Wasdell, David. The Learning Organization 18.1 (2011): 10-20.
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Abstract (summary)
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Purpose - Based in the discipline of applied consultancy-research, this paper seeks to present
a synthesis-review of the social dynamics underlying the stalled negotiations of the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Its aim is to enhance understanding of the
processes involved, to offer a working agenda to the organizational learning community, and
to act as a dynamic and interpretive intervention in the negotiation process.
Design/methodology/approach - The methodological approach draws on a wide range of tools
from the consultancy-research domain including force-field analysis of complex social
behaviour, informal interviews, direct participation, existential reflection and process analysis,
delineation of power dynamics, literature survey and psychoanalytic exploration of the
irrational and unconscious factors involved. Findings - Several findings emerged from the
consultancy research. The force-field analysis revealed the intensity of polarisation
experienced at every point of the negotiation. Economic vested interests and political
dynamics blocked all possibility of effective decision making and drove irrational attacks on the
validity of climate science as a way of manipulating public opinion. The influence of
unconscious factors was paramount, rooted in the re-stimulation of collective pre-traumatic-
stress disorder, and mediated via a set of social defences against anxiety. Research
limitations/implications - Significant limitations in the methodology concern the level of
subjectivity involved. The development of working hypotheses was exposed to constant review
to check for researcher-specific projection and selectivity of significant data. Practical
implications - The practical implications of the paper for the development and application
of organizational learning are spelled out in the final section. Particular attention is drawn to
the need to take account of irrational and unconscious phenomena driving social
psychodynamics. Originality/value - The paper represents profoundly original work, emanating
from the author's wide-ranging involvement in the content and process of the
international climate-change negotiations. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
Indexing (details)
Cite this
Subjects
Studies, Climate change, Organizational learning, Negotiations
Classification
9130: Experimental/theoretical, 1540: Pollution control, 2500:Organizational behavior
Title
The dynamics of climate change: a case study in organisationallearning
Authors
Wasdell, David
Publication title
The Learning Organization
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
10-20
Publication year
2011
Publication Date
2011
Year
2011
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing, Limited
Place of Publication
Bradford
Country of publication
United Kingdom
Journal Subjects
Business And Economics--Management
ISSN
09696474
Source type
Scholarly Journals
Language of Publication
English
Document Type
Feature
Document Features
References
DOI
10.1108/09696471111095966
ProQuest Document ID
822814812
Document URL
http://search.proquest.com/docview/822814812?accountid=38609
Copyright
Copyright Emerald Group Publishing Limited 2011
Last Updated
2011-02-21
Database
ABI/INFORM Complete
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