Dysfunctional Organizations: How to Remove Obstacles to Psychological Safety

Dysfunctional organizations result from individual behavior and the cultures they develop. Many individuals have directly experienced some form of dysfunctional behavior, including trauma from nonfatal workplace violence, bullying, harassment, violence, and unsafe work practices. These and other unacceptable workplace behaviors pose significant problems in organizations.

Psychological safety deals with these behaviors and prevents organizations from becoming dysfunctional. It may not be “the” way to prevent dysfunctions, but it certainly is “a” way. This book uses simple and direct words to describe forms of behavior that are obstacles to developing psychological safety. It then provides practical guidance for what can and should be done to remove those obstacles.

A unique framework (V-REEL) enables a better understanding of how and why behaviors are associated with dysfunctional organizations. It indicates the value of having psychologically, psychosocially, and physically safe workplaces. Its use helps the reader to carefully identify factors that erode or chip away safe workplaces as well as factors that enable or help to create them.