Envisioning a future by paying attention to the past: Rediscovering the work-of-leisure

von Bülow, Charlotte; Simpson, Peter

Abstract

Populist movements are inherently reactionary, motivated by dissatisfaction with the status quo (Albertazzi & McDonnell, 2008). One source of dissatisfaction in the West over the last decade has been a decline in prosperity alongside an increase in demands for improved performance - a combination that does not sit well with the organisational mantra of achieving more for less. Whilst some political leaders choose to fuel these reactionary dynamics, the opportunity for a more radical leadership intervention in (re-)discovering a desired future is lost.

In this paper we will interrogate the acquisitive busy-ness that is endemic in modern society and consider the place of an ancient understanding of the work-of-leisure (Pieper, 1952). This contrasts with a desire for 'free' time, an alienated form of leisure that lacks philosophical insight (Allen, 1989). We ask, 'How might leadership contribute to a populist movement that re-envisions a quality of life based on communal wisdom rather than materialistic acquisition?'

Citation

von Bülow, C., & Simpson, P. (2017, December). Envisioning a future by paying attention to the past: Rediscovering the work-of-leisure. Paper presented at International Studying Leadership Conference 2017

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: International Studying Leadership Conference 2017
• Start Date: Dec 10, 2017
• End Date: Dec 12, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Nov 20, 2017
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2017
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: leadership, leisure, organisational practice, philosophy, productivity, work
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : International Studying Leadership Conference 2017: 'Leadership, Dissent, and Disobedience: Leaders and Followers in a Populist Age'