subject predicate object context
44515 Creator a037da11b57b6deccf4ab716257f3cc2
44515 Creator ext-00927f1c44bda35ad8ee21dd6635c836
44515 Date 2015-12-01
44515 Is Part Of repository
44515 Is Part Of p19449585
44515 abstract This paper connects with claims that our students are struggling with critical reflection. We propose that hampering critical reflection is a form of narcissism, which we define using Ovid’s classical myth. Narcissus’ errors highlight the risks of non-critical reflection, involving the deceptions of familiarity and the appropriation of meaning. Narcissus’ journey from reflection to critical reflection triggers an ethical crisis; but for us, such a journey can be a spur to reflexivity, emphasising the contingency of our knowledge claims and the ethics of our presence in the world. Woven through our discussion is the theme of power. Narcissus’ initially naïve reflection incorporates the power to control meaning, and he proves incapable of relinquishing control over others to develop greater control over himself. We call for a softening of the distinctions in the management literature between (individual/psychological) reflection and (relational/political) critical reflection, arguing that our exploration of narcissism reveals the political-in-the-personal. We present practical suggestions for the classroom, including how to explain critical reflection to students and what pitfalls to avoid when reviewing and giving feedback on the work of others. These ideas have particular applicability to peer learning approaches, but also have relevance for the teaching and role-modelling of leadership.
44515 authorList authors
44515 issue 4
44515 status peerReviewed
44515 uri http://data.open.ac.uk/oro/document/357741
44515 uri http://data.open.ac.uk/oro/document/357762
44515 uri http://data.open.ac.uk/oro/document/357764
44515 uri http://data.open.ac.uk/oro/document/357765
44515 uri http://data.open.ac.uk/oro/document/357766
44515 uri http://data.open.ac.uk/oro/document/357767
44515 uri http://data.open.ac.uk/oro/document/358087
44515 volume 14
44515 type AcademicArticle
44515 type Article
44515 label Tomkins, Leah and Ulus, Eda (2015). Is Narcissism Undermining Critical Reflection in Our Business Schools? Academy of Management Learning and Education, 14(4) pp. 595–606.
44515 label Tomkins, Leah and Ulus, Eda (2015). Is Narcissism Undermining Critical Reflection in Our Business Schools? Academy of Management Learning and Education, 14(4) pp. 595–606.
44515 Title Is Narcissism Undermining Critical Reflection in Our Business Schools?
44515 in dataset oro