Talking About Organizations Podcast
88: Social Defenses Against Anxiety -- Isabel Menzies (Part 2)
Apr 19, 2022
In this podcast, Isabel Menzies, an expert in social defenses against anxiety in organizational life, discusses contemporary sources of anxiety and the methods used to defend against it. Topics include the evolving nature of anxiety in the field of medicine, understanding and managing anxiety in organizations, exploring the relationship dynamics between doctors and nurses, shifting anxieties within the healthcare system, perpetuation of anxiety within organizations, rethinking the welcoming process for new members, and the constant movement and adaptation in organizations.
45:10
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Quick takeaways
- Anxiety in the workplace is a persistent issue that affects both individuals and organizations, requiring a deeper understanding of the nature of tasks and the complexity of work.
- Recognizing and addressing anxiety as a social issue, rather than solely an individual concern, is crucial for organizations to promote retention, organizational learning, flexibility, and crisis handling.
Deep dives
Anxiety in the Workplace: The Enduring Challenge
This episode discusses the concept of anxiety in the workplace and its implications for organizations. The podcast hosts examine a case study from 1960 that explores the functioning of social systems as a defense against anxiety. They discuss how anxiety at work is not a new phenomenon but has been overlooked in management research. The hosts reflect on the impact of anxiety on workers and organizations, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the nature of tasks and the complexity of work. They also discuss the role of leadership in addressing anxiety and the importance of finding a balance between task-focused approaches and recognizing the individual needs of workers.
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