Lateral Functioning in Post-Modern Organizations

13th ISPSO European Regional Meeting

Lateral Functioning in Postmodern organisations

Copenhagen, March 20, 21 and 22, 2015

Danish Architecture Centre (DAC), Strandgade 27B DK - 1401 Copenhagen K





The European Regional Meeting 2015 will fo-cus on the theme lateral functioning in post-modern organisations. As we see it, this is not as opposed to hierarchical functioning but as another organisational functioning of increa-sing importance. With the hierarchical dimension we often asso-ciate with authority, delegation, leadership and followership. It draws on the Oedipal conflict as a central figure/drama. The lateral dimen-sion brings associations with competition, ri-valry, networking and to group dynamic pro-cesses. It draws on further development of the Oedipal conflict – the arrival and existence of siblings. The child’s dramatic experience of be-ing one among others: “His majesty the baby” realising that he is just a common member of the (family) group.

In organisations its necessary to understand, explore and develop lateral functioning as well as hierarchical functioning. Lateral functioning

is at work in relations and relatedness within groups, across departments and other busi-ness units, cooperation as well as competition between different units. Lateral functioning is also at work when decisions have to be taken without formal division of authority. It can take form as fruitful cooperation, but lateral func-tioning also raises a lot of challenges and pro-blems. It can become difficult to deal with con-flicts, equality and differences, intimacy and distance, without formal authority connected to a differentiated set of hierarchical roles.

The Danish fairy tale “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen is mostly known as a fairy tale about being a misunderstood genius. Raised and experienced as an ugly duckling – it shows that he is a swan. The Ugly Duckling is also a fairy tale about envy, rivalry, malice, and loneliness. No King. No Queen. No princes-ses and princes. No parents. Only siblings and cousins.

In Denmark we have a long tradition of emplo-yee involvement and an apparent low power distance in organisations. But is lateral func-tioning necessarily connected to democracy, equal rights and mutual respect? Is lateral func-tioning sometimes an idealisation of seeming equality? Sometimes it could be an escape from differentiation?

We do not have one clear definition of lateral functioning. But our hypothesis is, that orga-nisational processes and dynamics related to what we here try to capture as lateral functio-ning is more at work in today’s organisations. In this regional meeting we invite you to mutual exploration and beyond the lateral functioning in organisations in a postmodern society.

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ParticipantsERM 2015 is open to ISPSO members and other profes-sionals interested in working with the theme within a syste-mic psychodynamic frame of reference.

Organizing Committee

Copenhagen Meeting Committee:Annemette Hasselager, Chair,Birgitte Bonnerup, associate chairMartin EilschouMia LangeZanne LorenzenSupported by the LARA-committee:Manuel Seijo DiazMarieke van DamRichard Morgan-Jones

ProgrammeThe ERM will start at 17.00 on Friday the 20th and end at 12.30 on Sunday the 22nd.

There will be a keynote presentation by Steen Visholm on the main theme of the meeting, which will be explored in plena-ries as well as in small groups. Social drea-ming will also be part of the programme. On Friday evening there will be an informal reception and on Saturday evening a social event including a dinner at a restaurant. A detailed programme will follow.

Welcome receptionWhen the meeting closes Friday evening at 19.30. The reception will be sponsored by coo-peration between the Danish Organisations MPO (Master of the Psychology of Organisa-tions, Roskilde University, NAPSO (network for applied psychodynamic systems theory and IGA (Institute of Group Analysis Copenhagen). All participants are invited to an informal gathering between 19.30 and 21.00. The reception will also take place at Danish Architecture Centre.

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Accomodation

We have identified two different hotels, which are both central, have a good reputation, and are either within walking distance or gives you easy access to the conference centre, DAC, by metro.

1) Wakeup Copenhagen in Borgergade is a relatively cheap, newly built hotel located in the heart of Copenhagen. You can book your room directly on

www.wakeupcopenhagen.dk

2) Ibsens Hotel in Nansensgade is situated in the Copenhagen city centre, between the market halls and the lakes, 5 minutes walk from Nørreport metro station. This hotel is a bit more expensive. You can book your room in Ibsens Hotel on

www.arthurhotels.dk

Please arrange your own accommodation.

Optional Social Event: Guided boat tour and conference dinner

As an optional social event we have booked a 60 minutes harbour and canal tour, which will take us around the Copen-hagen water front. The boat tour will end by the restaurant, Spisehuset 56 grader, where we will have our conference dinner. On our way we will pass the old naval base of Copen-hagen, the Little Mermaid, the royal residence, the famous opera building, the Danish parliament and many other inte-resting modern and historical sites.

Spisehuset 56 grader is a Nordic restaurant located in the old naval dockyard and naval base at Holmen. Spisehuset 56 grader will prepare a three course menu based on the traditional Nordic cuisine, spiced with modern and creative culinary arts.

www.spisehuset56grader.dk

Price for the social event is €60. This includes the boat tour and a three course dinner. Drinks are not included.

Meeting registration Fee

Meeting fee is €190 euros including reception Friday evening, lunch Saturday and refreshments throughout the meeting. Registration will be managed at a first come first served basis. We recommend early registration.

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Number of ParticipantsNumber of participants will be limited to 40. A waiting list will be established.

Registration form and paymentAt the ISPSO website you will find a registra-tion form. Payment has to be made directly from the website via a Pay Pal System.

Please fill in your registration form and send it to [email protected]. Questions can be ad-dressed to the organizing committee on this email address as well.

If you have any special requirements regar-ding lunch Saturday, please email these to [email protected].

How to reach Danish Architecture CentreThe meeting will take place at Danish Architecture Centre (DAC), Strandgade 27B,1401 Copenhagen K. On the website of our venue you will find descriptions of how to reach the venue:

www.dac.dk/en/front-page/

QuestionsIf you have any questions please feel free to contact the Copenhagen Meeting Com-mittee at [email protected]. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Copenhagen in March!





/ The Copenhagen Meeting Committee /

Lateral Functioning in Post-Modern Organizations

Leadership & Management

Transcript of Lateral Functioning in Post-Modern Organizations