The psychodynamic-systemic orientation to leadership development initiates an exploration of hidden rationales for emotions, thinking and behaviour that are often related to search for meaning, financial issues or other fears. Our research explores these rationales in detail in order develop a deeper understanding of what lies beneath human and organisational functioning.
Psychodynamics of Boards
in this chapter, we present a framework of useful psychodynamic concepts to help identify unconscious but potentially derailing dynamics within supervisory boards or between supervisory board members and executive board members
Corporate Governance Yearbook 2022-2023, Dec 2022
Articles
Make your natural talents work in your favour through awareness."
Early life experiences accompany us all the way to the executive boardroom. This blog explores how childhood family dynamics can have a direct influence on executives' work experience, including: preference for certain way of working in a team; relationship with peers and authority; approach to stakeholder management; and performance.
KDVI Research Lab, Jun 2018
Blogs
"And what do you think about the transference?" Jung replied with the deepest conviction that it was the alpha and omega of the analytic method, whereupon Freud said: "Then you have grasped the main thing."’ - Freud
Videos
"Paradigm shift and Manfred Kets de Vries"
Manfred Kets de Vries has bought a unique form of humanistic and scientific thinking to the forces of organizational change. This article looks what makes Manfred Kets de Vries “tick?” What “red threads” run through his life? How has his way of thinking contributed to the world? To explore these questions we will use one of his own methodologies and put him, metaphorically, on the psychoanalyst’s couch.
Enduring Thoughts of the Thinkers of Organizational Change, Aug 2017
Articles
"Applying a psycho- dynamic lens to org studies"
A chapter in International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, 2nd edition on using a psychpdynamic lens to the study of organisational phenomenon.
International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, Apr 2015
Articles
"Motivating teams with a psycho-dynamic approach"
This blog, published in the Financial Times, reports on a working paper by Manfred Kets de Vries on the Psychodynamic Approach to leadership studies.
FInancial Times, Aug 2014
Blogs
"Overview of the psycho- dynamic approach to leadership study"
This working paper provides an overview of the psychodynamic approach, including historical underminnings, its key concepts, and includes three case studies with which to apply the psychodynamic approach as well as a short self-assessment on leadership archetype.
INSEAD Working Paper, Jun 2014
Working Papers
"Dreams as entry points to executive subconscious"
INSEAD Knowledge, May 2014
Blogs
"Attachment theory applied in an org context"
This working paper explores the evolution and function of attachment in the context of adult relationships.
INSEAD Working Paper, Apr 2013
Working Papers
"Psycho- dynamic issues in leadership studies"
This chapter reviews psychodynamic issues in leadership theory, leadership in organisations, and leadership development.
Wiley, Apr 2013
Articles
"Psycho- dynamic aspects of effective leadership"
This working paper explores the psychodynamic aspects of effective leadership.
INSEAD Working Paper, Dec 2011
Working Papers
The objective of this book is to develop a theory of organizational functioning as viewed from a clinical perspective. For that purpose psychoanalytic concepts are applied to the study of leadership behavior, organizational stress, work disorders, career, power, and authority.
Routledge, Feb 2009
Books
This book sets out to change people and organisations for the better, by revealing the ‘dark side’ of leadership behaviour and its impact on performance.
Wiley, Jul 2006
Books
"A look at a clinically oriented consultation"
This article addresses the subject of clinically oriented consultation in the workplace, offering an example of an intervention to illustrate the limitations of more traditional, rational forms of organisational consultation.
Organizational Dynamics, Nov 2005
Articles
"Unconscious dynamics and impact on organisational life"
In this article the argument is made that unconscious dynamics have a significant impact on life in organisations.
European Management Journal, Apr 2004
Articles
"A response to the clinical paradigm"
This article was written in response to The Clinical Paradigm: Manfred Kets de Vries Reflections on Organizational Therapy.
European Management Journal, Feb 2000
Interviews
This book presents eclectic advice on how things really work in organisations, by combining the dismal science of management and the impossible profession of psychoanalysis.
Jossey-Bass, Aug 1995
Books
This book introduces the work of a number of leading scholars interested in the clinical approach to organisational analysis.
Jossey-Bass, Nov 1991
Books
This book provides a comprehensive review of the state of knowledge in the field of psychoanalytic character studies.
International Universities Press, Nov 1991
Books
This book explores the role of power in organisations.
Houghton Mifflin, Aug 1975
Books
