Charles Handy article on how Shakespeare's tragedy, King Lear, provides a metaphor for the way organizations should be run. He suggests that power should be shared amongst those one trusts, and that there is danger in mistaking flattery for truth and truth for disloyalty. Handy begins the article discussing how King Lear, staring Ian Holm in the titular role, may be seen at the Cottesloe Theatre in London, and describes it as a play about life itself--that people can see their families and/or organizations mirrored in the tragedy. He goes on to note how the play’s themes of power, trust, and love are also the central themes of business, and that large organizations often expect management leaders to efficiently oversee unfamiliar and diverse colleagues and subordinates. Handy proceeds to argue for the importance of truth, but states that there must be an element of trust in order for the truth to be received and heeded, which necessitates commitment in both professional and personal relationships. In the end, Handy recommends taking a few risks and giving away some trust in order to achieve the ideal organization environment.
Handy, Charles B Handy, Elizabeth Lear, King of England (Legendary character) Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 Hamlet (Legendary character)-Drama Cottesloe Theatre (London, England) Management today series Holm, Ian, 1931- Organizational effectiveness Organizations Organizational behavior Organizational change Industrial organization Industrial management Trust Power (Social sciences) Love
Source
Charles Handy article on how Shakespeare's tragedy, King Lear, provides a metaphor for the way organizations should be run. Handy suggests that power should be shared among those one trusts, and that there is danger in mistaking flattery for truth and truth for disloyalty, 1997; Charles Handy Papers; Box 20, Folder 12; 1 page
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