The Manipulators: Personality and Politics in Multiple Perspectives

This volume was published in 1990 to shed light on the impact of manipulativeness on modern institutional processes and to illustrate the importance of attempting interdisciplinary work to break down disciplinary barriers. Manipulativeness is a contemporary interpretation of power, melding images of control with the experience of pervasive social ambiguity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1990, this volume had two purposes. One was to shed some light on the impact that manipulativeness has on modern institutional processes. The other was to illustrate the importance of attempting militantly interdisciplinary work on themes that run through a variety of social sciences and related disciplines, as a way of breaking down excessively stifling disciplinary barriers.

Manipulativeness is a connotation-laden notion with shifting meanings across the variety of action contexts, levels of analysis, and disciplinary orientations. It absorbs the idea of strategic-mindedness, rule exploitation, situational advantage seeking, tampering with structure and context, and control of the action climate. In a way, it is a very contemporary interpretation of the theme of power, melding images of control with the experience of pervasive social ambiguity.

The concept of manipulativeness has been extensively studied in various social sciences, including psychology, sociology, political science, and organizational behavior. Researchers have explored how individuals and groups use manipulative tactics to achieve their goals, manipulate others, and maintain power and control.

One of the key findings of research on manipulativeness is that it is a pervasive phenomenon in human interactions. People use manipulative tactics to influence others, gain advantage, and avoid negative consequences. Manipulative tactics can take many forms, including deception, exaggeration, flattery, and emotional manipulation.

One of the most significant impacts of manipulativeness is on modern institutional processes. Manipulative individuals and groups can use their power and influence to manipulate institutions and policies to their advantage. This can lead to the erosion of democratic norms, the concentration of power in the hands of a few, and the marginalization of marginalized groups.

To address the impact of manipulativeness on modern institutional processes, it is important to attempt militantly interdisciplinary work on themes that run through a variety of social sciences and related disciplines. This approach can help break down excessively stifling disciplinary barriers and promote a more holistic understanding of complex social phenomena.

One example of interdisciplinary work on manipulativeness is the field of organizational behavior. Organizational behavior researchers have explored how manipulative tactics can be used by individuals and groups to gain power and control within organizations. They have also examined how organizations can develop strategies to detect and prevent manipulative behavior.

Another example of interdisciplinary work on manipulativeness is the field of psychology. Psychologists have explored how manipulative tactics can be used to influence others' perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. They have also examined how individuals can develop resilience to manipulative behavior and develop healthy interpersonal relationships.

Political science is another discipline that has explored the impact of manipulativeness on modern institutional processes. Political scientists have examined how political actors use manipulative tactics to gain power and influence public opinion. They have also examined how political institutions can develop strategies to detect and prevent manipulative behavior.

In conclusion, manipulativeness is a connotation-laden notion with shifting meanings across the variety of action contexts, levels of analysis, and disciplinary orientations. It absorbs the idea of strategic-mindedness, rule exploitation, situational advantage seeking, tampering with structure and context, and control of the action climate. Manipulativeness is a pervasive phenomenon in human interactions and has significant impacts on modern institutional processes. To address the impact of manipulativeness, it is important to attempt militantly interdisciplinary work on themes that run through a variety of social sciences and related disciplines. This approach can help break down excessively stifling disciplinary barriers and promote a more holistic understanding of complex social phenomena.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367187422