The Organization Shadow

Abstract

The paper explains the nature of the Shadow Concept in relation to the management of organizations. Organization Shadow is understood as facts which organizations wish to deny about themselves, due to the threat posed to self-image and self-understanding and, more generally, the need to be viewed in a favourable light by others. The Shadow is repressed, and, as unconscious content, is projected onto others, often those who are incapable of resisting it. Three studies of organizations are used to highlight the potentially grave consequences, in practice, of the Organization Shadow. The need for management to assimilate the Organization Shadow is discussed, together with the essential difficulties of the assimilation process.