Sensitivity

Sensitivity Training

Sensitivity training has been inflicted upon many individuals and large groups of people in the workplace and elsewhere. This training has been and is currently being done under many ambiguous, illusionary labels which include Consideration of Others (CO2), Behavior Modification, Total Quality Management (TQM), and many others. "Zero Defects" was the rage of the 60's, as I remember. I believe "social adjustment" or "social engineering" are also appropriate terms for these programs. CO2 programs were introduced/mandated in the wake of exposures of sexual exploitation and other abuses in the military, as well as by highly placed influential civilians. It is also being applied to the civilian public workforce on a quarterly basis (I guess this is the old standby philosophy of punish everybody and you are more likely to punish the guilty, but somehow I doubt that the guilty are affected). Those with the propensity and greatest opportunity to "do the crime" very often seem to encounter few if any serious consequences. Those responsible for inflicting the programs on the masses are often the ones guilty of the offenses. There are many appropriate terms to describe these perpetrators. TQM is one of the latest of a long list of techniques/programs/efforts to improve performance quality, and the above sensitivity methods have been applied to personnel.

The use of "role playing," "touchy," "feely," "confessional," and "facilitation" techniques are very often prominent characteristics of these euphemistic programs. Some, such as CO2, are demeaning and insulting in concept and practice in application to a responsible, adult population on an involuntary, forced or coercive basis. They trample on personal rights and invasion of privacy issues. They evoke feelings and actions of resentment, contempt, anger, and ridicule. Since these feelings are most often repressed in the organizational environment, due to concerns about management retaliation and peer attitudes, they are stress inducers. This stress may impact adversely organizational and individual performance and relationships. During my first exposure to these techniques in graduate school during the 70's, we were told of serious mental problems and violent behavior resulting from some applications and of resulting law suits. The dangers were recognized to the extent that use of the techniques were being prohibited in some organizations. During classroom activities related to study of these techniques I developed an enduring aversion to them. This attitude has been strengthened over the years since these experiences as I have been further exposed in several situations and as I have observed application to others. I have often refused to participate in activities involving these techniques. I believe there is but one "Authority" on behavior, and His mandates are much different from man's.

The pervasive nature of efforts to inflict euphemistic sensitivity programs on every aspect of our lives can be easily illustrated by using the terms "sensitivity training" and "behavior modification" in a comprehensive internet search engine such as "northernlight." A seemingly endless list of sites will be delivered that show efforts directed at all aspects of our lives--at work, at play, at school, at home, in the military, and on and on.

Workplace Bullys

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