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Narratives of fate and misfortune in organizational life: Stories of success and failure

Jalan, Ishan; Sinha, Shuchi; Ulus, Eda

Authors

Ishan Jalan

Shuchi Sinha

Eda Ulus



Abstract

© 2014 Taylor & Francis. In this paper, we discuss how both success and failure induce anxiety, and how narratives help defend against it. We argue, using a psychoanalytic approach, that these narratives become culturally embedded through sharing and approval, and they become available as resources that are often drawn upon unconsciously when faced with anxiety-provoking experiences. Empirically, we draw upon data about Indian employees in India. The Indian cultural context offers rich insights into the interrelatedness of success and failure, anxiety, and narratives as defences in responses to these experiences.

Citation

Jalan, I., Sinha, S., & Ulus, E. (2014). Narratives of fate and misfortune in organizational life: Stories of success and failure. Culture and Organization, 20(5), 410-429. https://doi.org/10.1080/14759551.2014.964239

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2014
Journal Culture and Organization
Print ISSN 1475-9551
Electronic ISSN 1477-2760
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 20
Issue 5
Pages 410-429
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/14759551.2014.964239
Keywords anxiety, success and failure, India, storytelling, defence mechanisms, unconscious, evil eye
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/824822
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14759551.2014.964239


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