Using Individual Psychology Concepts to Compare Family Systems Processes and Organizational Behavior

Abstract

The authors provide a conceptual framework based on the principles of individual psychology and family systems theory for understanding important aspects of organizational behavior. The discussion includes individual and group behavior and addresses the similarities between the organization and the family as a system, leadership and parenting, employees and siblings in the family constellation, and corporate culture and family atmosphere. In addition, issues with regard to rules, regulations, and methods of child training, along with the similarities between problem employee and the identified patient in the family, are discussed. The authors attempt to integrate practical applications of this model in a variety of organizational settings.