Understanding the Use of Self in Organizational Development: An Exploratory Study of the Self-Exploration Practices in Auroville, India

Wheeler, Jane V (2016) Understanding the Use of Self in Organizational Development: An Exploratory Study of the Self-Exploration Practices in Auroville, India. Organization Development Journal, 34 (4). pp. 11-28.

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Abstract

Although not a new concept in the field of Organizational Development (OD), self-exploration has typically been seen as an afterthought, if at all. What would happen if it is given priority and done every day? For my sabbatical I travelled to Auroville, a city in India where self-exploration is a purposeful way of life. The objective of this study was to understand what self-exploration practices are used by residents of Auroville, and how those practices affect each person’s life. Thirty residents completed a questionnaire I designed using Appreciative Inquiry, and the results clearly indicate that daily self-exploration practices have allowed them to not only aspire to but actually become more elevated, conscious, giving, thoughtful, ethical, and loving in their daily lives. I believe that these practices can be extrapolated to the classroom, and that self-exploration and “starting with the self” are the future path for the Organizational Development field, allowing for more robust, meaningful, and ethical business behaviors and practices.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Collective Organisation > Collective Organisation (General)
Depositing User:	Admin User
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2020 04:42
Last Modified:	26 Aug 2020 04:42
URI:	http://aurorepo.in/id/eprint/75

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