Abstract
By examining US Airways Flight 1549’s glider-like landing on New York
City’s Hudson River on 15 January 2009, this article contributes to a deeper
understanding of the psycho- and socio-analytic aspects of American culture.
Using system psychodynamics as a conceptual framework, the essay
uses this case study to demonstrate how individual psychology, group
dynamics, and systemic influences intertwined to tap a collective societal
need for a traditional male hero to salve the cultural disillusionment created
by corporate scandals, executive greed, job loss, and terrorist attacks in post-
9/11 America. Understanding how this phenomenon occurred helps us grapple
with psycho-cultural factors that favour searching for a saviour over
recognising collective responsibilities that encourage more collaborative
approaches to crisis decision making.
City’s Hudson River on 15 January 2009, this article contributes to a deeper
understanding of the psycho- and socio-analytic aspects of American culture.
Using system psychodynamics as a conceptual framework, the essay
uses this case study to demonstrate how individual psychology, group
dynamics, and systemic influences intertwined to tap a collective societal
need for a traditional male hero to salve the cultural disillusionment created
by corporate scandals, executive greed, job loss, and terrorist attacks in post-
9/11 America. Understanding how this phenomenon occurred helps us grapple
with psycho-cultural factors that favour searching for a saviour over
recognising collective responsibilities that encourage more collaborative
approaches to crisis decision making.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 59-78 |
Journal | Organisational & Social Dynamics |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2011 |
Keywords
- system psychodynamics
- crisis decision making
- heroes