The Role of Crucibles as Developmental Experiences in Organizations

Abstract

Despite the widespread attribution that stressful crucible experiences result in important individual developmental change within leaders, a deeper exploration of the mechanisms of that change is warranted. Likewise, literature linking the crucible and individual change to social and organizational considerations, including how organizations can plan for and sponsor institutionalized crucibles, is sparse. Thus, the intent of this chapter is to begin to synthesize the crucible, cognitive development, and stress literatures to show important linkages, risks, and outcomes, then provide a basic blueprint of planning considerations for organizations that desire to establish their own crucible events that target leader development.

Citation

Lester, P.B. (2021), "The Role of Crucibles as Developmental Experiences in Organizations", Harms, P.D., Perrewé, P.L. and Chang, C.-H.(D). (Ed.) Examining and Exploring the Shifting Nature of Occupational Stress and Well-Being (Research in Occupational Stress and Well Being, Vol. 19), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 47-65. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-355520210000019003