Social Psychology and Organizations

Although this book began at an academic conference held in 2009 at Northwestern University, the information presented here is clearly written to be accessible to managers and employees at all levels of any organization. De Cremer (behavioral business ethics, Rotterdam School of Management), Van Dick (social psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt) and Murnighan (risk management, Northwestern University) and the contributors have arranged their work in short sections with narrative examples to convey the ways in which social psychology can facilitate the success of businesses. The introduction explains the topic and details the form of the book. The next section looks at leadership and power, with definitions and suggestions to demonstrate how both are necessary. This part concludes with advice on entrepreneurial activity. The next section deals with conflict, cooperation and decision making. These powder kegs have brought down many enterprises. The fourth section is a catchall of "contemporary issues." These include diversity in the workplace, antisocial behavior, ways to inspire and control creativity, ways to handle stress and guidelines for corporate ethics. The final discussion explores common beliefs about creativity being encouraged or squashed according to cultural norms. Along the way are analyses of archetypal road bumps such as Lyndon Johnson's handling of the Vietnam War and the overconfidence that led to the collapse of the housing market. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)