The Dialogical Character of Human Existence: Overcoming the Limitations of Relationally Centered View on Humankind, When Preventing and Resolving a Crisis of Representations in the Organizational Life
摘要
In Martin Buber’s philosophy, the dialogical character of human existence is applied to three modes of existing: the worldly, the interpersonal, and the ontic levels of existence. The “I-Thou” relationships and the “I-It” relations cover the whole scope of human life. The development of an authentic dialogue and the deployment of the “inter-human” (intersubjectivity) are basic means for enhancing and underpinning the social fabric of humankind. There are three basic limitations to Buber’s philosophy. Firstly, the “I-It” relations may be a mode of connectedness, without any authentic relationship. Secondly, a technical dialogue is not necessarily free of authenticity. Thirdly, an “essential We” is related to the sense of the “We-ness” which should be actualized through an encompassing respect, kindness, compassion, and solidarity. The antecedents of a crisis of representations (corruption, loss of corporate reputation) must be analyzed. The unfolding of a crisis of representations could imply CEO’s lack of exemplary conduct and the urgent need to restore shareholders’ and business partners’ confidence in the company. An optimal solution to a crisis of representations may require an authentic dialogue with deviant managers and followers. An ethical consistency between all corporate decisions is mandatory.