Narcissism in the Workplace: Research, Opinion and Practice (New Horizons in Management series) - Hardcover

DuBrin, Andrew J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1781001359 ISBN 13: 9781781001356

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2012

Synopsis

Possessing a positive self-attitude, being self-confident, and having high self-esteem are worthwhile attributes in both work and personal life; some take these positive attributes to the extreme and become self-absorbed, self-adoring, self-centered, and show little empathy for the problems and concerns of others. In brief, they are narcissists and they can be especially problematic in business settings. This book presents information about narcissism in the workplace that is based both on empirical research and on opinion derived from systematic observation. The author uses case studies and real life examples to shed new light on workplace narcissism.

The author describes both the positive and negative features of narcissism and presents strategies and tactics for dealing constructively with narcissistic traits and behaviors in oneself and in others. Self-tests and questionnaires found throughout the volume enable readers to reflect on their standing on a variety of behaviors and attitudes associated with narcissism. Each chapter includes a section labeled 'Guidelines for Application and Practice' that provides practical advice for applying the research and theories presented within. Further, each chapter concludes with a case history of narcissism, accompanied by a brief analysis of the narcissistic aspects of the case's subject.

Narcissism in the Workplace serves as a manual for capitalizing on the positive aspects of narcissism and minimizing its potential negative effects. Intended for human resource professionals, researchers, and students and scholars of organizational behavior, organizational psychology, human relations and leadership, this book will also appeal to a broad range of serious minded readers who wish to learn more about, combat the difficulties of, or employ the benefits of narcissism.

About this title

About the Author:

Andrew DuBrin, Professor Emeritus of Management, E. Philips Saunders College of Business, Rochester Institute of Technology, US

Review:

[A] well-written text for HR use or for organisational psychology studies. . . --Katrina Johnston, People Management

This book is both welcome and timely and illustrates, through several case examples, the profoundly dysfunctional impact which excessive narcissistic and omnipotent behaviour generates. In particular the book highlights how tortuous and destructive such behaviour becomes when exercised by those in positions of organisational power and influence. Also explored are means of countering and containing such dysfunctions. . . the complexity of the material is presented in a very readable and practical manner which reinforces its applicability to the everyday experiences of the reader. . . To my mind the book meets its stated objectives and provides sufficient material, and in a digestible form, which the interested and thoughtful reader can readily draw upon. --Michael Walton, Counselling at Work

About this edition

• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1781001359
• ISBN 13: 9781781001356
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288