Overview

Fear is pervasive in today's organizations—and far more damaging than many leaders realize. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of speaking up. Fear of change. When fear becomes embedded in organizational cultures, it undermines decision-making, accountability, innovation, and trust. In Fear in Organizations, David D. Van Fleet examines fear not simply as an individual emotion, but as a systemic organizational force that shapes behavior, leadership, and outcomes. Drawing on decades of research, teaching, and real-world experience, he explores how fear develops, how it escalates under conditions of control, uncertainty, and high-stakes objectives, and how it silently erodes workplace effectiveness. More importantly, this book provides practical insights and tools to help leaders recognize fear-based dynamics and take meaningful action. Managers, executives, and HR professionals will gain guidance on fostering psychological safety, encouraging accountability, and building cultures where clarity, courage, and constructive behavior can thrive.

Full Product Details

9781606496312

Table of Contents

Reviews

""As a workplace violence prevention consultant, I see the importance of treating employees with dignity and respect. David D. Van Fleet has done a wonderful job recognizing and addressing the impact of fear in our society and hence our workplaces. The point is made that overcoming fear is critical if leaders are to promote a culture of personal accountability by educating the adverse consequences of fear in our organizations and society as both a pervasive emotion and a systemic phenomenon that can significantly deter healthy workplaces. David helps the readers distill several key insights in recognizing that fear escalates under conditions of control, uncertainty, or high-stakes objectives and how it can be overcome."" - Felix P. Nater, CSC, Security Management Consultant ""Dr David D. Van Fleet is a consummate management scholar, who has published over 100 chapters and articles in scholarly outlets. While this is significant, what is more important in this case is David's ability to take complex topics such as fear in the organization and courage in the organization and make them readable. What's more, he doesn't only make the topics readable but also provides clear steps to put these ideas into action in your organization."" - Tim O. Peterson, PhD, Executive Director, West Fargo Area Education Foundation ""Dr Van Fleet is a renowned expert in the broad field of management and organizational behavior. The issues and challenges associated with fear and courage in organizations are poorly understood, and these books will provide valuable information for managers."" - Ricky W. Griffin, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Mays Business School Texas A&M University

Author Information

David D. Van Fleet has more than 50 years of experience in the practice, teaching, and research of management and organizational behavior. He has held faculty positions at the University of Tennessee, the University of Akron, Texas A&M University, and Arizona State University. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including Taking Ownership of Your Career, The Manager's Guide to Psychological Safety as well as Combating Workplace Violence and Bullying and Harassment at Work.

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