Engaging with the unknowable through narratives of personal experience

Simpson, Peter

Abstract

Purpose: This paper explores the potential function of narratives of personal experience in engaging with unknowable reality.
Design/methodology/approach: The paper draws on research on managers working with the unknown using narrative methods together with ancient and modern theories of knowing
Findings: It is suggested that the unknowable is of importance to the leader of change and that narrative is a productive form of engagement with unknowable reality. Implications for leadership practice are identified.
Originality/value: The role of narrative alongside a largely forgotten form of understanding, intellectus, is considered.

Citation

Simpson, P. (2010). Engaging with the unknowable through narratives of personal experience. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 23(2), 173-179. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534811011031355

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Nov 24, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 6, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Organizational Change Management
• Print ISSN: 0953-4814
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 173-179
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/09534811011031355
• Keywords: leadership, narrative, uncertainty, contemplation, research method
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/988295
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09534811011031355