ABSTRACT

In this book, David P. Levine applies psychoanalytic object relations theory to understanding work motivation and the meaning of work. Drawing on the writings of authors such as Donald Winnicott, Otto Kernberg and Melanie Klein, he explores three factors central to our effort to understand work: guilt, greed and the self. Special attention is paid to the factors that determine the individual’s emotional capacity to do work that engages the self and its creative potential and to the related matter of impairment in that capacity. Chapters include:

  • the problem of work
  • greed, envy and the search for the self
  • skill, power and authority
  • work and reality.

Object Relations, Work and the Self will be of interest to psychoanalysts and organizational consultants as well as anyone concerned with what determines the quality of life in the workplace.

chapter |9 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|21 pages

The problem of work

chapter 2|19 pages

The group at play

chapter 3|12 pages

Greed, envy and the search for self

chapter 4|11 pages

Life and death at work

chapter 5|26 pages

Reparation, empathy and the public good

chapter 6|19 pages

Skill, power and authority

chapter 7|9 pages

Work identity

chapter 8|12 pages

Work and reality

chapter 9|5 pages

Conclusion