"Fear has become institutionalized in many organizations. Board directors are under pressure from shareholders. Senior executives are attempting to maintain sales in a nervous market, and many people are concerned about job security and maintaining their living standards.In this book, Keegan uses a psychological approach to explain how fear manifests itself within organizations. She looks at how fear impacts the workforce and how, by reducing willingness to take risks, it can inhibit economic growth and innovation, at both an individual and corporate level.She offers a practical way to harness fear and anxiety into innovation by explaining how to: understand the effects of fear within organizational contexts and how these can be reduced, incorporate small changes in behavior that will increase well-being and improve productivity by better supporting and understanding the needs of staff. "-- "In the context of global economic recession, fear has become institutionalized in many organizations, both in the private and public sectors. Board directors are under pressure from shareholders, senior executives are attempting to maintain sales in a nervous market and many people are concerned about job security and maintaining their living standards. This book shows how fear manifests itself in large organizations, how it impacts on the workforce and how by reducing our willingness to take risks and to innovate, it can inhibit economic growth and innovation, at both an individual and corporate level. The Psychology of Fear in Organizations examines the psychological barriers to innovation and presents initiatives to loosen the paralysis caused by the economic downturn"-- Provided by publisher. Provided by publisher.

The paradox of fear -- The cultural backdrop of fear -- Perspectives on fear -- Cultures of fear within organizations -- Feeling fear at work -- Over-control and manipulation in the workplace -- Organizations in crisis -- Being human -- Creating psychologically healthy workplaces -- Leadership and appreciative inquiry -- Developing resilience -- Building trust within organizations -- The power of language -- Building a culture of innovation -- What about the future?