Organizational Impasse: Diagnosis and Intervention

Abstract

Serves a dual purpose: (1) to clarify the nature and occurrence of impasse in groups towards defining and categorizing it: and (2) to use these findings as a means for diagnosing impasse and providing intervention to resolve it. It is a partial report of findings from a research project which contributed to the field of Organizational Gestalt and supported a paradoxical perspective to group life. This qualitative study used direct observation, surveys and interview methods. The weekly decision‐making meetings of nine senior managers of a mental health facility provided its data. Impasse situations were identified and analysed. From this a definition and five categories of impasse emerged. Also offers an approach for intervention design following a case study which illustrates impasse.

Citation

O′Connor, C.A. (1992), "Organizational Impasse: Diagnosis and Intervention", Management Decision, Vol. 30 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251749210145478