Engaging with the unknowable through narratives of personal experience

Simpson, Peter

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore 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. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

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: May 18, 2010
• Journal: Journal of Organizational Change Management
• Print ISSN: 0953-4814
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 173-179
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/09534811011031355
• Keywords: leadership, narratives, research methods, uncertainty management
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/988305
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09534811011031355