Module 4: Discussion on “Psychic Prisons”
In this Discussion Board, we will reflect on key concepts within
Plato’s Allegory of the Caveand
Morgan’s Chapter 7 (on “Psychic Prisons”) by writing
an initial post (at least 400 words, due on the date noted below) and
THREE (3) replies to peers
(of at least 130 words each, due within 48 hours of the original due date). Please see the GRADING RUBRIC below for more clarification on earning the maximum here.
For your initial post
Watch the TWO videos on Plato’s Allegory of the Cave (linked within the
Mod 4 Learning Materials page
), beginning with the “Orson Wells narration” video (it’s a digitized copy of an old/classic educational video on the Allegory, but it provides a clear series of illustrations and a sense of gravitas and timelessness thanks to Orson Wells himself).
(Jeffrey Pfeffer: Why Cultivating Power is the Secret to Success)
As you watch, take notes on the major “sections” of the cave and the reactions of people imagined to be imprisoned (and freed) from the cave.
Then watch the second video, which explains (in an animated “slide deck” fashion) why the Allegory can help us understand “Psychic Prisons.”
First, please discuss Plato’s Allegory of the Cave:
1.
VIDEO reflections: In a solid paragraph (or two), describe TWO of the major shifts in the story/allegory that stood out to you (e.g., two ‘scenes’ or ‘moments’ which are particularly striking or memorable to you, in terms of the power of the story, or the sense of the peoples’ tragedy or frustration, etc.)
2.
VIDEO reflections (cont’d): Add a sentence or two on how Plato’s Allegory helps us understand “Psychic Prisons” (using an example of your own, or an observation you can make of a current organization or team, if you can).
3.
TEXT reflections: In chapter 7, Morgan (2006) presents the image of a psychic prison to explore some of the ways in which organizations and their members become trapped by constructions of reality that ultimately makes it difficult for individuals and organizations to change (e.g., mental models, unconscious processes, identity, patriarchal family, immortality, anxiety).
Please summarize at least three elements of organizational psychology that Morgan presents, and
explain how these concepts relate to your own observations / experiences of how an organization or team performs (e.g., you could reflect on a team you have participated in, or a company, a family, a church/community org., or even a government that has affected you in this way).
4.
Pose a question to your classmates, asking something you are curious about or unclear on from this module.
