Dr Nick Waggett

A factor in current organizational and social turbulence is rapid technological change   I am sharing the text of an article I wrote for publication in 2018 but then withdrew (long story). I am working on a new (different, better) article so sharing this version in case anyone is interested in the findings of my doctoral thesis - but doesn't want to read the whole thing! I think the paper has continued relevance today and adds to discussions about our 'entanglement' with new technologies including AI. The focus is on human services (health, social care, education etc.) but my view is that similar processes operate in all kinds of organizations and in wider society.  The paper aims to develop theory and practice in systems-psychodynamics in relation to the role of technology within the organization of work. It argues for the importance of technology as a significant actor within, and mediator of, human processes in the 21st Century.   It is proposed that leaders ...

Creativity is central to organizational success Creativity is crucial in responding to change, innovation, growth, re-structuring and challenges in the market or operating environment. Creativity in these situations is needed to enable new thoughts, connections and ideas to arise, and to avoid getting stuck in old and unhelpful patterns of working.  Think of the sports team that has a set way of playing that has worked for them but who can’t adapt to other teams improving or using new techniques. A once successful team will steadily, or even rapidly, become second best. Doing the same thing over and over - when it has been shown to be ineffective or even damaging - is a sign of something unhealthy going on in the team, organization or business. To unstick  and move to a new, healthy and productive position requires curiosity, creativity and the generation of new ways of working and connecting with the client, customer or audience.  The problem is that these processes – ch...