Episodes on Social Change

These are episodes that discuss matters external to the organization such as social change. Subtopics include:

  • Social factors that influence organizational members and the meaning of membership
  • Social pressures exerted on organizational leaders or organizations
  • Horizontal relationships that members routinely have with external organizations
  • Social phenomena that have a unique or interesting parallel in organizations

6-8. Ideal Negotiations Through Pragmatism (The Social Contract, Part 8)

June 1, 2021 Tom Galvin Season 6, Social Change 00:19:27 Comments Off on 6-8. Ideal Negotiations Through Pragmatism (The Social Contract, Part 8)

In this final episode of the series, I ask what does ‘right’ look like in how we solve social problems and re-negotiate the social contract. What must we do once we decide to get people to come to the table? The short answer, as I reveal here, is rooted in classic pragmatism. Classic pragmatism, which is geared toward practical solutions to practical problems, and eschews theoretical or ideological approaches. But this is not easy to do, and it requires that we stop treating those we disagree with as enemies.

6-7. Ideal Engagements Among Collectives and Individuals (The Social Contract, Part 7)

May 25, 2021 Tom Galvin Season 6, Social Change 00:19:03 Comments Off on 6-7. Ideal Engagements Among Collectives and Individuals (The Social Contract, Part 7)

I complete the list of principles for re-negotiating the Social Contract and setting the stage for what constitutes the idea conversation for solving a complex social issue. What are principles that suggest the ideal ways that collectives deal with other collectives in the environment? Or how individuals should deal with each other?

6-6. The Meaning of Duty, Responsibility, and Loyalty (The Social Contract, Part 6)

May 4, 2021 Tom Galvin Season 6, Social Change 00:17:50 Comments Off on 6-6. The Meaning of Duty, Responsibility, and Loyalty (The Social Contract, Part 6)

Along with the ideal collective that acts with justice, equality, and fairness comes the ideal member, one who fulfills the principles of duty, member responsibility, and loyalty — principles that leaders also must fulfill while setting proper conditions for their members.

6-5. The Meaning of Justice, Equality, and Fairness (The Social Contract, Part 5)

April 27, 2021 Tom Galvin Season 6, Social Change 00:19:52 Comments Off on 6-5. The Meaning of Justice, Equality, and Fairness (The Social Contract, Part 5)

To resolve and efficiently and effectively renegotiate the social contract, we’ve got to find common ground. But we have to first change the way we react to things that we strongly disagree with. That begins with finding a language that sustains our emotional commitment to what we believe, but opens the door to shared interests with those we otherwise disagree with. I will explore one part of this common language associated with the ideal collective and how it benefits its members — through principles of justice, equality, and fairness.

6-4. On Stilting the Competition (The Social Contract, Part 4)

March 30, 2021 Tom Galvin Season 6, Social Change 00:19:03 Comments Off on 6-4. On Stilting the Competition (The Social Contract, Part 4)

How does our assessment of how one “wins” drive us to throwing social competitions, and thus the social contract, out of balance? And even if the social contract is fixed, how can we prevent other forms of injustice from working their way in?

6-3. On Power and Communication (The Social Contract, Part 3)

March 23, 2021 Tom Galvin Season 6, Social Change 00:19:53 Comments Off on 6-3. On Power and Communication (The Social Contract, Part 3)

This episode expands on the previous episode to explain the influences of power and communication over the competitive environment. What are the characteristics of the strategies used to shape such competition and what effects do they have on the social contract?

6-2. On Systems and the Competitive Environment (The Social Contract, Part 2)

March 11, 2021 Tom Galvin Season 6, Social Change 00:18:15 Comments Off on 6-2. On Systems and the Competitive Environment (The Social Contract, Part 2)

Our focus on interpersonal relationships, though valid, is insufficient to overcome the problems in the social contract. We must also look at how we view competition and its role in societies and organizations.

6-1. On Social Contracts (The Social Contract, Part 1)

March 2, 2021 Tom Galvin Season 6, Social Change 00:17:48 Comments Off on 6-1. On Social Contracts (The Social Contract, Part 1)

This is the first episode in a multi-part series about renegotiating the social contract we globally share to addressing inequality and spur dialogue between parties who present view each other as adversaries.

5-3. Could a New Co-Ed Sport Promote Gender Equality?

September 22, 2020 Tom Galvin Org. Culture, Season 5, Social Change 00:18:01 Comments Off on 5-3. Could a New Co-Ed Sport Promote Gender Equality?

I argue that we need new co-ed sports designed to emphasize capabilities that men and women share equally while also being fun to watch

5-2. Is Anti-Professionalism on the Rise?

September 1, 2020 Tom Galvin Communication, Leadership, Season 5, Social Change 00:19:30 Comments Off on 5-2. Is Anti-Professionalism on the Rise?

Professions and professionalism are both under pressure from within and externally — so how can we re-energize the spirit of professionalism?

4-3. When a Leader Falls From Grace, Should That Negate Their Positive Contributions?

February 25, 2020 Tom Galvin Leadership, Season 4, Social Change 00:12:30 Comments Off on 4-3. When a Leader Falls From Grace, Should That Negate Their Positive Contributions?

When leaders commit misconduct or otherwise harm their reputation, some people dismiss the good that the leader did. When, if at all, is this appropriate?

3-7. Warning Signs and Why We Ignore Them — The Case of Smartphone Overuse

November 7, 2019 Tom Galvin Season 3, Social Change 00:17:10 Comments Off on 3-7. Warning Signs and Why We Ignore Them — The Case of Smartphone Overuse

Overusing smartphones could harm one’s health, but we persist in using them and how we use them is becoming more complex. Should we break the cycle?

3-3. Brand Equity and Quickly Turning a “Loser” into a “Winner”

October 6, 2019 Tom Galvin Communication, Org. Culture, Season 3, Social Change 00:17:53 Comments Off on 3-3. Brand Equity and Quickly Turning a “Loser” into a “Winner”

When a flagging brand turns itself around and becomes a winner, it’s interesting. But can it be replicated? And if so, what does it take?

2-8. Profanity with a Purpose?

April 7, 2019 Tom Galvin Communication, Season 2, Social Change 00:19:45 Comments Off on 2-8. Profanity with a Purpose?

What purpose does cursing serve in the workplace? And to what extent should it be bothersome? This is a more difficult question than it sounds.

2-7. On Bridging Political Division

March 27, 2019 Tom Galvin Communication, Learning, Season 2, Social Change 00:19:35 Comments Off on 2-7. On Bridging Political Division

There is little question that political division is strong and inhibits dialogue. To what extent is this a problem and what should be done about it?

2-3. Viral Messages and Lessons of the Protestant Reformation

February 17, 2019 Tom Galvin Org. Change, Season 2, Social Change 00:17:26 Comments Off on 2-3. Viral Messages and Lessons of the Protestant Reformation

What can history teach us about the longer-term implications of social media and how it is changing our lives? With its forward momentum continue?

1-10. Reveling in The Holiday Spirit

December 16, 2018 Tom Galvin Org. Culture, Season 1, Social Change 00:16:30 Comments Off on 1-10. Reveling in The Holiday Spirit

Season one concludes with a look at the holiday season from both societal and organizational perspectives. What should we want to take away from the season?

Announcements

Check out the new site design — episodes have been reorganized into seven major topic areas and the menus have been improved. I am adding more links directly back to the Talking About Organizations Podcast that inspired many of the episodes here.

Season 5 is now underway — nine episodes in total through December 2020!