The Rise of Psychomanagement in Australia

"The Rise of Psychomanagement in Australia" by Robert Spillane is a book that explores the phenomenon of psychomanagement in the Australian corporate context. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book, including its key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. Psychomanagement and its Attraction to Managers:

   • The book delves into why Australian managers have become increasingly interested in using psychological theories and practices to manage their colleagues. It highlights how this approach offers managers a means to control and influence their team members, despite the lack of training in psychology among managers.

2. Misuse of Psychological Knowledge:

   • Spillane critiques the practice of psychomanagement, arguing that it often misuses psychological knowledge. Managers are expected to understand various personality tests, theories, and therapies, which they are not trained to do. This misuse can lead to inappropriate application of psychological concepts in the workplace.

3. Emphasis on Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence:

   • The book examines how managers have become infatuated with emotional intelligence and, in some cases, spiritual intelligence. This shift from traditional performance-based management to a more emotionally focused approach is seen as a significant change in the way Australian managers operate.

4. Performance vs. Personality:

   • One of the key points made in the book is that the empirical evidence suggests that only a small percentage (4%) of performance differences are due to personality. The majority of performance variation is attributed to other factors such as cognitive capability, motivation, and organizational structure.

Plot Summary

The book provides a detailed analysis of how psychomanagement has become a dominant approach in Australian management. It explores the historical context and the factors that have led to this shift. Spillane argues that this trend is not only misguided but also harmful, as it often results in the medicalization of morality and the misuse of psychological concepts.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book has been noted for its insightful analysis of the rise of psychomanagement in Australia. Robert Spillane's work is recognized for its critical perspective on the application of psychological theories in management practices. The book has been praised for its thorough examination of the effects of psychomanagement on organizational dynamics and employee performance.

Publication Details

• Title: The Rise of Psychomanagement in Australia
• Author: Robert Spillane
• Publisher: Michelle Anderson Publishing (2011)
• ISBN (Print): 9780855724139
• Number of Pages: 228

Overall, "The Rise of Psychomanagement in Australia" by Robert Spillane offers a thought-provoking critique of the current state of management practices in Australia, highlighting the need for a more balanced and evidence-based approach to leadership and organizational performance.