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The listening hermeneutic of public servants: building on the implicit

Maria Veronica Elias (Department of Public Administration, College for Health, Community and Policy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA)
Justin T. Piccorelli (School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA)

International Journal of Organization Theory & Behavior

ISSN: 1093-4537

Article publication date: 3 June 2020

Issue publication date: 13 October 2020

355

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of phenomenological or attuned listening and explore its implications for deliberative governance. Drawing on examples from urban planning and city administration, we make a case for listening as a hermeneutic phenomenological practice of crucial importance for public organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research relies on interpretive phenomenology, critical reflection, and political theory. Through the examination of case studies, we show that attuned or phenomenological listening contributes to greater participatory processes in organizations and to democratic governance processes, more generally.

Findings

By enhancing both collaborative endeavors and discretionary action, phenomenological listening acknowledges the unpredictable, dynamic and political aspects of organizations. Finally, it helps transform the latter into spaces where democratic and accountable action can take place.

Practical implications

This perspective encourages public deliberation and attentive listening for practitioners to make decisions on the spot that are sensitive to people’s needs.

Originality/value

Embodied and attuned listening fosters reflection-in-action, as well as a reasoned pathway toward public accountability and deliberative democracy.

Keywords

Citation

Elias, M.V. and Piccorelli, J.T. (2020), "The listening hermeneutic of public servants: building on the implicit", International Journal of Organization Theory & Behavior, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 359-374. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOTB-10-2019-0115

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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