Rethinking the Role of Relationships in the Moral Fiber of Our Companies and Our Communities

 

it's all about relationships
August 26, 2002

Reviewer: Joseph P. Stokes
Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Palmgren and Petrarca have written a book about the philosophy of Henry Nelson Wieman (1884-1975). Wieman's concept of creative interchange focuses on bringing authenticity to human dialogue and on appreciating and learning from what makes each of us unique individuals. Given current corporate scandals, the message is certainly important for members of corporations, and as the world gets smaller and globalization takes hold, our ability to appreciate and understand people who are very different from ourselves takes on increasing importance.

The book relates a series of hypothetical informal interview between the authors and Dr. Wieman. The interviews are followed by narrative that summarizes and explicits Wieman's messages. The format is very readable and entertaining.

Although not a thorough introduction to Wieman's thinking, this book is a good place to start. If everyone followed the central tenets of this book, our families, our companies, and our governments would be vastly improved.