Reform by reflection: Schön’s legacy to management practice in times of uncertainty

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Faculty of Management, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

2 Coach Consulting Group, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In this paper, we revisit Donald Schön’s scholarly work on “handling uncertainty”, suggesting that in order to cope reasonably well with uncertainty, practitioners should be encouraged to take a reflective existential stance, aimed to explore their own tacit personal style (i.e., theories-in-use). They should (i) recall and reflect on their theories-in-use to bear on the phenomenon, (ii) metaphorically explore and establish analogies, and (iii) seek to frame manageable problems while (iv) coping with the anxiety this creates. They should bear in mind that there cannot be an ideal outcome. Some practical implications are also discussed.
 

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References

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Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Studies (Formerly known as Iranian Journal of Management Studies)
Volume 9, Issue 3
July 2016
Pages 579-597

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